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5 1ST Congress, 1 HOUSE ()K RKIMaiSEN ("ATI VES. f Mis. Doc 

zd Session. ( \ No. 134. 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



LIFE AND CHARACTER 



JAMES P. WALKER, 



A REPRESENTATIVE KKUiM MISSOURI, 



DELIVKRMi IN HIE 



House of Representatives and in the Senate, 



FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION. 



PUBLISHED HY ORDER OK CONGRE.SS. 



WASHINGTON : 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1891 
0-* 






CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO PRINT TIIH EUI-,OGIES UPON JAMES P. WALKER. 

liunolivil by the llonxc of Rfpi'esenldtircs (the Senate concurring), That 
thiTO l>e pi'iiiled of tlu,' culogios fleliveied in Congi-ess upon the late Janios 
P. Walker, a Representative in the Fifty-fiiiit Congress from the State of 
Missouri, twelve thou.sajul copies: of which three thou.sand copies Shall 
he for the use of the Senate and nine thousand copies shall he for tlu; 
use of the House of Ucpresentatives : and the Secretary of the Treasury 
he. and he is herehy, directed to have i)rinted a porti'ait of the said Jauius 
P. Walker, to accompany said eulogies. That of the (juota to the Ilouse 
of Representatives the Public Printer shall set ajiart fifty copies, which 
he shall have bound in full morocco, with gilt edges, the same to be 
delivered, when (computed, to the family of the deceased. 

In the House of l{»'presentatives. agreed to I'V^bruarj' 27, 181)1. 

In the Senate, agreed to March i, IW'Jl. 

2 



Q^d^ 



PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 



ANNOUNCEMENT OF DEATH. 



July 21, isoo. 

Mr. DOCKERY. Mr. Speaker, it lias been T)ut a little more 
than twelve niiiuths since, standing at this vri'y desk, I 
aiinunneed ilic death of that eminent Missouriati Hon. 
Jixmes N. Bnrnes. 

To-day tlie melancholy dnty devolves upon me of announc- 
ing to the House the death of yet another colleague. 

The grim suinnions came unlierald to my friend Hon. 
James P. Walker at his home in Dexter, Missouri, on hist 
Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. His death resulted from 
congestion of the brain. 

Mr. Speaker, Missouri mourns liis hiss, for he was loyal to 
her interests, faithful in tlie public' service, honoralile and 
true in all the relations of private life. 

Sir, this is not the h(jur to pronounce a eulogy upon <_)ur 
distinguished departed colleague, but at some niiprojiriate 
time in the future the Missouri ilelegation will ask the House 
to lay aside its ordinary business, that a titling tribute may 
be paid to his memory. 

3 



4 Proceedings in the House of Representatives. 

Mr. Speaker, I offer fur present coiisiileniliou the I'esolu- 
tioiis wiiicli I send to the Clerk's desk. 
The Ch;rk read as follmvs: 

BcsD^rc'd, That the House has heard with profoimd i-e<;rct the aimnunciv 
meiitof the death of Hon. James P. Walker, late a KepreseutUiM' fn.m 
the State of Missouri. 

Bi'siilivd by the Hoiixe of Rcinrsniliilirc.i (the Semite eoiieiirriiKj). That 
a select (■ouunittee, consisting of seven members of tlie House and tln-ee 
memlxTsof the Senate, l)e appointed to take order for suiiiTintendinn' the 
fimeral, and that the necessary expenses attending tlie execution of lliis 
order l)e jiaid out of tlie contingent fund of tlie House. 

Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Anns of the House be authorized and 
(lirecteil to take such steps as maybe necessary for properly carry iiig into 
effect the ijrovisions of this resolution. 

Rcsolreil. That the Clerk communicate the foregoing resolutions to the 
Senate: and that, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased, the House do now adjourn. 

The (lucstiou was taken upon tlie adoption of tlie re.solu- 
tions, and they were unanimously agreed to. 

The Spe.vker. Pending the announcement of the result, 
the Chair desires to appoint tlie following nuunbers of the 
committee referred to iu the resolution: Mr. Dockery, of 
Missouri; Mr. Frank, of Missouri; Mr. Crisp, of Georgia; 
Mr. Morrill, of Kansas; Mr. McMillin, of Tennessee; Mr. 
Baker, of New York, and Mr. Davidson, of Florida. 

Tlie result of Ihc vote was thou anuouuced; and accord- 
ingly (at 12 o'clock and 15 minutes p. m.) the House ad- 
journed. 



EULOGIES. 



December 0, 1890. 

Mr. Whitelaw. Mr. Speaker. I ask iiiiaiiimous consent 
that Saturday, Janiiary 10, beginning at 2 p. ni., l.e fixed as 
a special order for pronouncing eulogies upon the Hon. 
James P. Walker, deceased, late Representative from the 
Fourteenth Congressional district of Missouri. 

The Speaker. Is there objection to the request of the gen- 
tleman fr(jm Missouri ? 

There was no objection, and it was so ordered. 

The Speaker. The Clerk will report the special order. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved. That Saturday. January 10. l)OKiniiiii!j; at 3 p. iii..l)i:- set aside 
for paymg tribute to the uieiiw.ry of W'ti. James P. Walker, late a mem- 
ber of the House of Representatives from the Fourteenth Congressional 
district of Missouri. 

Mr. Dot'KERY. Mr. Speaker, by a prior order of the House 
this hour has been set apart that the friends of the late Hon. 
James P. Walker may pay suitable tributes to his memory. 
He was my friend in all that the term ingenuously implies. 
As a Representative he was frank, patriotic, ami fearless; 
as sincere, devoted, and zealous in the people's interest as in 
his private walk and personal character he was stainless and 
without reproach. 

In liehalf of tlu' Missouri delegation on this floor I submit 
the resulntinns wliicli I send U> the Clerk's desk. 



6 .Iddrcss oJMi\ H7ii/t/,jh', oj Missouri^ ini the 

Tlic Clerk read as follows: 

Re.iolrcil. Thut the ll<iusc lias luard with sincere roRi-et nf the death 
of Hon. James P. Wai.kkk. late a KepieseMlative iroiu the State of Mis- 
souri. 

Resolved, That the business of the Hcjiise lie now siis|H'ncle<l. in order 
that the faithful pulilio services, as well as theiK'rsoiial \iitnes and uditli. 
of the deceased may he fittingly conimeinoniteil. 

RexDlved. Thatas an additional tribute of respect to the nieniorvof the 
deceased the House shall, at llu> conclusion of these memorial proceed- 
ings, .stand adjourned. 

lienohvd. That the ClcrU coninnuiicate these resolutions to the Senate. 



ADDRESS OF Mr. WHITELAW, OF MISSOURI. 

Janu.vry 10, isoi. 

Mr. SrEAKER: The House is a,o-.'iiii railed upon to siispoud 
its ordinary proceeding.s that it may in a proper manner 
mark it.s respect for one of its former memliers whose death 
it laments, to testify to hi.s j)rivate worth and public vii'tues 
and "ive expression to its .sorrow. Once more the members 
from Missouri have l)een called niion to mourn the loss of 
one of their collea.t!;m's. At •..' o'clock Saturday, July i:i, 
1890, the spirit of Hon. James Peter Walker took its 
flight to its eternal home. In the few remarks that I shall 
make I purpose only to give a brief outline of his life and 
character. 

He was born in Lauderdale ('ounly. Tennessee, on March 
14, 1851, and hence at the time of his death was in his for- 
tieth j'ear. When a boy he attended the neighboring 
schools and obtained a fair coniinon-school educatioti. to 
which he afterwards ailded a hirge store of .special and 
general knowledge by an intelligent application to l)ooks 
and busine.ss. It may ))roperly be said of him that by his 
own indomitable pluck and energy lie transformed himself 
from a ])oor ))lowbiiy in the coi-nlield, ffoin ;i hewer of wood 



IJfe ami C/taracfcr of Jaiiirs p. Walker. 7 

aiK-l drawer of water, to tlie highest political position within 
the gift of his people. 

At the age of foi;rteen he secured a position in a country 
stori' in Tennessee, where \iy hard lalmr and rigid economy 
he earned a living for himself and assisted in supporting a 
widowed mother and young sisters. In lSi;7 he left Tcnnes- 
sei' and moved to Missouri, taking his mother and family 
witli him, and settled near Kennett, in Dunklin County, 
where he lived iov several years. He cleared laml and 
worked iu the field.s the first year after moving to Missouri; 
but seeing that there was a good opening for a general store 
at Kennett, and having the assistance of hisformeremployer 
in Tennessee, he established himself in business at Kennett 
before he had attained the age of eighteen. 

From this small beginning Mr. Walker in the course of 
a few years gradually advanced in his lousiness unlil he 
became a large dealer in grain, in which he was interested 
at the time of his death. Whatever fondness he possessed 
for politics was not of a selfish nature; the campaign of his 
friend was in every sense his own; the same anxiety and 
energy, the same devotion to duty and aml>ition fen- success, 
characterized his efforts as though he were a candidate him- 
self. 

To this possibly as much as any other trait of our deceasiHl 
friend's character was due his remarkable advancement. In 
ISSS he was elected a member of the State Democratic 
committee. In 1880 he was elected a delegate to the Cincin- 
nati convention. In 188-1 Mr. Walker became a candidate 
for Congress, and was defeated for the noniinati(_in by Hc.m. 
William Dawson after two conventions had lieen lield ;i,nd 
hundreds of ballots taken. In 1880 he again became a, can- 
didate, received the nomination, and was elected at the polls 
by an o\'erwhelnuiig majority. 



8 Address of Mr. II 'liitclau\ of Missouri^ on the 

In lS8f^ he was honored ])y the penpk' (jf his district by 
being renominated witliont opposition and reelected by an 
increased majority. To his record wliile here I need not refer, 
because that is familiar to you. It is exceedingly gratifying 
to know that nothing but wonls of praise and commendation 
come from the lips of his colleagues upon this floor and the 
eniployt^sof this body. In politics he was always a Demo- 
crat, knew no higher law than the Constitution of his coun- 
try, was ambitious of no distinction except that incident to 
a faithful discharge of a re])res*'ntative trust. His devotion 
to duty was so absolute and uiique.stioning, his abnegation 
of self so utter and complete, that they oversliadowed that 
prudence which ordinarily prompts us to regard personal 
comfort and personal safety as superior to other considera- 
tions. 

Enervated by the excessive heat and exhausted by the un- 
usually arduous labors of the first se.ssion of this Congress 
he went liome to look after liis camjjaign, when he was sud- 
denly seized by the messenger of Death. A loving wife and 
Iciiid friends did all in their power to make him live, but to 
11(1 ))nrpose. No Ijetter eulogy could be passed updii liim 
than the resolutions of respect adopted by tlie citizens of ids 
own city, in whicli it was said : 

Tlip life of James P. Walker is a fit conimeiitary ou our Govorniiunt 
and its possibilities in developing men; and in the purity of his charac- 
ter, in determination of purpos(». in his fldelitj' to every duty, every trust, 
every friend, his example is commended to the youth of our land. With- 
out tlie allurements of wealth or the training of the college, without 
friends in liigh places to lift him U|). he rose l)y the strength of his own 
manliood. the energy of his own purpose, and the moral rectitude of his 
own life to the highest political honors. Twice called to represent his 
people in the Halls of C'ongress. he was still one of the peo|)le. lovi-d and 
lionored by them, and ever faithful to the trust reposed in him. 

Ill liis account of the life of Buddlia. Edwin Arnold I'llates 
a touching incident of a woman wlio came to her lord boar- 



Life and Character of James P. JI 'alkcr. 9 

ing her dead child in her arms and praying that he might 
reinstate the spark of life that had fled from the little one. 
With the gentleness that was characteristic of him. Buddha 
taught the suppliant a consolation that was ahm ist C'hrist- 
like. He told her that if she would find him a house in 
which black mustard seed was to be found and which had 
never been visited by the dread summons of death, he would 
restore her child to life. Full of the hope that springs only 
in the breast of a bereaved mother she traveled the land 
far and wide, and returned at last to him who sent her with 
the sad report that of houses with mustard seed she had 
found many, but none to whicli death had not come. 

The funeral of James P. Walker was one of the most 
imposing and wonderful demonstrations of public respect 
and popular affection ever witnessed in southeast Missouri. 
The old and young, in the highest and lowest walks of life, 
some from far distances and at great personal inconvenience, 
attended to pay the last tribute of respect to their dead friend 
and statesman. They acted and seemed to feel as tlumgh 
they had l<5st a Ijrother, son, or father. Strong men and 
women, when they marched around the bier of James P. 
Walker to take a last look at him in whom they luid placed 
so much trust and confidence and who in turn had honored 
them by his loyalty to their interest, shed tears of grief and 
uttered lamentations nf sorrow. Thus lived and died one 
of God's noljlenien. Let him rest in i)eace. 



10 Address of Mr. I la her, of Nen< Yorh, on the 



Address of Mr. Baker, of New York. 

Mr. Speaker: My iu-qinuiitance with tluMli-p.-irlccl frioiirl 
wlio.se iiunnoiy wolioiioTlo-(l;iyl)Pgan in tliP early daysof tlio 
last Congress. Thai ac(|uaiiitance ripened into IViendshiii in 
this Congress through association with him in the closer 
official relation wliich followed as members of the Committee 
on Commerce. As in tlie Honse, so he was in onr commit- 
tee. He gave prompt, intelligent, and faithfnl service, 
always manifesting an earnest (h'sire to pci-lnrni his fnll 
sliare of the arduous duties witli whicli he was cliarged. 

I was impressed with the belief that his particijiation in 
tlie (hities of public life was inspired with a- full realization 
of the high responsibility resting u])on him. He was hun- 
est and capable, fearless and independent, and pei'sonally 
controlled by a. warm and friendly spirit. He inspired faith 
in mankind, and commanded the contidcmce of all. His sin- 
cerity won my esteem not oidy for him as a man, \m\ atirm 
belic^f that lie was eminently worthy of the high trust con- 
fided to him by the suffrage of his constituency. Hence, 
when he came to bid me good-ljy just as he dejiarted for a 
visit to his district, I could but wish for him a continuance 
of the honors he had so wortliily worn. Little did we real- 
ize that a last good-by on this side of the livei' had been 
Spoken as lie left. Truly, 

Life treads on liic ami lieart on heart: 
We press too close in church and mail 
To keep a dream or }i;rave apart. 

In a few weeks, Mr. Speakca-, the pleasant associations ex- 
perienced during tlie ])ast six years of my own Congi'essioiial 
lil'e will t<'i'minat(', but time can never terniinalc the friend- 



Life and CJiaractcr of Ja)iu-s p. U\xlkcr. 11 

sliips formed, wliilo tlic memory of those of our collefignes 
whom God hath called from labor to eternal rest will ever 
be cherished. 

It is pi'oper that we should pay honor in this way to the 
memoryof our deceased friend and associate. May we nof in 
so doing afford consolation to an afflicted liouseliold, and at 
the same time give new liTster to those graces, Faith, H( ipe, 
and Charity, wliich are tlie divine characteristics of every 
manly heart? 

We should be reminded that we are rapidly pressing on 
toward the same dark river over which our friend has passed. 
A few years, or niontlis, or weeks, or days. God oidy knows 
when the summons may come to yoi; or to me. Tlien Irt us 
so live that we may say witli trusting, ahiding faith: 

God holds the key of all unUuowii. 

And I ;ini glad. 
If otlier hands should hold the key, 
Oi- if He tl'Usted it to me. 

I misht be sad. 
What if to-morrow's cares weri' here 

Without its rest? 
Better that He unlock the ilay. 
And as the doors swing open say, 

"My will is best." 

I am sure that no undue praise can bo spoken of Mr. 
Walker. He merits all that has been or that may be saiil 
of liim. 

It is appropriate, Mr. Speaker, that we pay tli^sc ti'ibutes 
to his worth, and accord lionorto his nicmoi-y l.jy these me- 
morial exercises. 

It is with sadness, and yet sincerit3\ tliat I join in these 
ceremonies to-day. I lieartily indorse wliatm'er may be 
sjioken by those who knew him best. Tlie ] lending resolu- 
tions fitly express the sentiments of my hiN-irt. 



12 AtMnss of Mr. McMilliii, of Tciiuesscc, on the 



Address of Mr. McMillin, of Tennessee. 

Mr. Speaker: It is a sad duty that wo assciiiblo tn jx'i-- 
fonii to-day. James P. Walker has taken that n.adwliich 
all must take, and has reached that goal tliat all nnistrcacli. 
This life may bi' summed uj) : A breath, a smile, a tear, a 
death. 

Born in 1S51, he saw the Southland, of whicli he was a 
son. in as great prosperity as it or probably any other country 
of the woi-lil had ever attained. Living through the troubled 
and unfortunate period of the war. he saw that same laml in 
sorrow, in tears, and in adversity. 

He was of that generation of young men wlm limkcd 
around them at the close of 18C.5 and beheld themselves a 
part of eleven millions of men, women, and children so des- 
titute that the combined wealth of seven millions of them 
w iuld not have ])aid for one night's lodging in the humblest 
hotel. Yet he could boast before he died 1liat lie was also 
of tiie generation that had faced adversity, tliat had defied 
misfortune, and had i-ehabilitatiMl the land (hat tliey had 
seen abnost in ruin. 

When cast u]iou the worlil, he had resi>onsiliilities that 
God gave him tlie manhood to meet. He ha<l a dei)endent 
mother and an alfectionate sister who relied alone on his 
sti'ong arm for su])])ort. He believed that in llie whulc liis- 
tory of mankind tliei-e had never been any except thriH^ 
forms of government. ( tne. wherein the man permitted or 
r(!(pured the woman to !*upport hei'self and him, known as 
the savage state ; anothei-, wherein the man hail re<|uired 
the woman to support herself: the last, tiie highest . th(> 
most glorious tyjie of govei-nment. wherein the luaii sup- 



Life aiiif Character nf James P. Walker. V?> 

ported not only liimself, but every woman whom nature had 
pUiced an oliligation on him to assist, whether motlier or 
wife. 

He met these responsibilities lilve a man. At an early 
date he left the State of Tennessee and pitched liis tent in a 
far-oft' land. He risked winning his way among strangers. 
He believed from the beginning that man's noblest work was 
not in the accumulation of money; that the greatest lienor 
was not to be attained simply by the acquisition of wealth. 
So believing, he preferred rather to be potent witli tJie men 
of his day thau with the money of liis time. 

How well he succeeded a seat in this Hall. wJien lie was 
only in middle life, tells — in this Hall, which it is an honor 
for any man in the world to reach at any period of liis life. 
Here he developed tlioso characteristics wliich showed that 
the trust of his people was well bestowed. He had all of the 
gentleness which made him dear to the hearts of those who 
served with him. He had coupled with this all of the 
strength and sternness to move him to the discharge of duty, 
however much it went against his own inclination in particu- 
lar cases. 

But Ije it also said to liis credit that he did not, either at 
home or here, confine himself alone to what should inure to 
his good in this life. He was a Cliristian. He was one of 
those who believed that tliis smile and tliis tear of which I 
spoke in the beginning are n<jt man"s ultimate and only 
destination. He covild not believe that his end was to be 
the same as that of the unthinking ox that phxls its way 
over the clod. It is not iiiapproju-iate on tliis (occasion to 
comment briefly on how well his faith was founded. 

Concerning the future state, it is true that we know little 
and can know little. But it may be said concerning it that 
almost every human being in tlic world aspires for some- 



14 Address of ,^fr. McMilliit^ of Tennessee, on the 

thiug heyoiid this life. All nations of the world have 
believed that there was something beyond this life. Is it 
possible that that God wlio created us implanted in us an 
aspiration and a longing tliat is universal and yet can never 
bo gratified? If so, it is tlie only instance -where nature 
has made the aspiration and the longing and not made pos- 
sible its gratification. 

But again we have something in us that distinguishes us 
from otlier animals. We have the power to laugli, to cry, 
to think — that power that we call the si)irit. The spirit is 
either material or immaterial; all will admit this. If it is 
imniaterial, the doctrine of the theologians is true, and it 
may live outside of the body and independently of it — may 
therefore be immortal. If, on the other liand. it is material, 
the doctrine of the philosopher — in which all philosophers 
agree — that nothing material can be destroyed, takes Imld 
of it, and it is indestructible, immortal. So in any event 
you have the immortality of tluit which we call the spirit, 
whether it is material or immaterial. 

The very analogies oi things in nature that are around us 
go far to show, and to \ny mind are .sufficient to prove, tliat 
tlie faith of this our dead friend was not ill founded and 
that the resurrection of man is proliable. Maj^ I comment 
upon this very briefly. 

We will go first to the hive of the honeybee, that now in 
this climate }n-esents notliing but the appearance of death. 
Every individual member of that hive is to-day seemingly 
dead. In the spring and in the summer its life is only foi-ty 
days. It flits its life away in that bi-ief period. Yet when 
the chilling frost comes there is somewhere in the universe 
a power which takes hold of the honeybee, stops animation, 
and prolongs its life for six months during the Avinter, and 
in the springtime sends it forth on a vigorous wing and 



Life and Character of James P. Walker. 15 

witli a new hum. Is it possible tliat tlie poWLTwliicli resur- 
ructs the honeybee can not resiu-rect man. 

Again, from the days of ancient Egypt, and even back 
beyond Egypt as far as liistory and trailition go, one kind 
of insect has made its appearance upon earth reguhirly every 
seventeen years; that insect is th(^ hjcust. It comes, enjoys 
its humble and brief existence, after which it departs. But 
at the end of seventeen years, as regularly as the clock 
strikes at the return of the noon hour, it conies back to sing 
again the weird song that its ancestors have sung periodi- 
cally for thousands of years. Is it probable, ay, is it pos- 
sible, that there is a God wlio watches over the hole Ihat 
that insect has miide in the ground f^r seventeen years 
and resurrects it, but will not care for man and resurrect 
him? 

But these are not all. The most despised of all creeping 
things is the serpent. Cursed by God, despised by man, it 
draws its loathed form and ignoble e.xistence out jirone ujion 
the ground. Yet when the wintertime comes even that 
despised reptile is cared for. It has a suspended animation. 
During tlie whole winter it is said that it may be tak(;n up 
and bnjken without feeling the wound that is inflicted. 
But in the springtime, when the gentle showers cimie, with 
the genial sunshine upon the earth, there is somewhere in 
nature an omnipotence so omniscient that even the snake's 
den goes not unobserved and unguarded. By it even the 
serpent is revived. 

We are told in Holy Writ that tlie sparrow's I'all is noted. 
With what exultant pride ought wo to rejoice inasmuch as 
we are superior to all these, and hence may exult in the 
joyous hope of a final resurrection. Is it possible that this 
is the last of our dear friend in the whole universe 'i I do 
not believe it. I do not want to lielieve it. 



Ki Address of Mr. lUtclianaiiy of Xm' J<rsr\\ on the 

l>ut, Mr. Siicakcr, I luivi^ wjiiulfri'd furtliLT into tliiit line 
of thought than 1 liail inteiuh'd. 

M r. W.VLKEii was another i 1 lustration of American energy 
and American genius, that atteuqjts too iiuicli in too little 
time. His superabundance of energy caused his death. 

The beautiful tribute which England's marvelous poet 
pai<l Kirke White may properly be applied to him and to 
his fall, when we remember that it was tlie result of over- 
exertion on his part. You recollect that tribute is in these 

words: 

So the struck ('a.sj;l(', strctclictl u]iim tlio plain. 
No more tlinnii;!! rolling douils to soar ayain, 
Viewed hi.s own feather on the fatal dart. 
And winged th(> shaft that quivered in his heart; 
Keen were his pangs, Imt keener far to feel. 
He nursed the ])inion that impelled the steel: 
While the same plumage that had warmed Ids nest 
Drank the last life-drop of Ids Ijleeding breast. 

T know that I voice, Mr. Sjieaker, the feeling of every one 
here who knew this deserving and able public .servant when 
I say that from this Hall there goes out to-day, beyond tlie 
Alleghanies, beyond the Father of Waters, to his former 
home a sympathetic tear for the poor wife, whom God has 
decreed .shall " tread the wine press alone." 



Address of Mr. Buchanan, of New Jersey. 

Mr. Speaker: A legislative body luiving in cliargi^ the 
interests of sixty millions of jieoplo must ever be presseil for 
time. At the best, but a tithe of the measures prepared can 
be considered at all, and too often that consideration must 
be liasty and imperfect. We sometimes feel as though we 
could not stop and give to those who fall by the way even 
the tribute of the remainder of some legislative day. 

But looking simply at ourselves, are not we and our v .k 



fjfc and Cliaractcr of James p. Walker. 17 

the gainers by ii'i Do we uot, as we lay aside the pi-ossiiig 
cares the positions we hold lay ujion us, and gather together, 
animated by that sympathy which, at the open grave, makes 
the whole world kin, to pay the last tribute of respect to 
one of our number, learn better the lesson that after all, 
from whatever section we may come, however differently 
we may view our duty, or however widely separate our ac- 
tions may be, we are yet citizens of one common country, 
members of one common community, jjilgi'ims towards one 
common goal? 

We rememljer at all times oiir responsibility to our con- 
stituents. This is ever jjresent with us. Each legislative 
act calls it to mind. But do we always remember our respou- 
siliility to the One who orders the affairs of nations, and 
who woidd have lis in each act we do reme7nber trutli and 
righteousness? At the last we must account to Him. It 
fits us better for our duties to pause at times in our work, 
and in the presence of death reflect upon these things. We 
are unthinking beings, indeed, if we can look upon the face 
of a dead brother and not reflect upon our final accountaljil- 
ity. May these memorial exercises aid eacli of us in being 
better men, better legislators, better patriots. 

Among the earliest acquaintances which I made in an 
earlier Congress was our departed friend. I soon came to 
know liim well, and as the years j)assed on and we were 
returned to our seats in the House time and again, the ac- 
quaintance ripened into friendship. During the last session 
we occupied residences in this city near to each other, and 
often met socially outside these walls. One of these meet- 
ings, and I shall always remember it well as the last we had, 
was in the hot, weary months of last summer, immediately 
preceding his departure to his district to engage in that con- 
test for reuomiuation which Death so suddenly finished. 
H. Mis. 134 % 



18 Address of Mr. Bucfiaiia)!, of Nczv Jersey, on the 

He was iu the prime of life, and apparently in tin; full 
vigor of yet eai-lj' manhood, and when the messat:;e eame 
that in a day, as it were, that vigor had departed, that life 
had gone out, it did not seem possible for the news to he 
true. Of the character of Mr. Walker others have spoken; 
of his trials and triumphs his colleagues will bear witness. 
In the few words I shall utter I will only refer to those 
qualities which he exhibited to those who, like myself, knew 
him from contact with him in the discharge of daily duty. 

Ho was a man of quiet demeanor. Amid exciting scenes 
he remained calm and collected. He did not often speak in 
the House, but when he did it was to the point and with 
words fitly cho.sen. He sought to convince by argument, 
not to anger with invective. He gave the impi-ession of 
reserve force. He did not seem to exhaust himself, but in 
some way his hearers felt that if the occasion had d(_iniandrd 
greater eifort he could have risen to it. 

In all his intercourse with his fellow-members he had the 
quiet, unassuming manner which marks the true gentleman. 
As a member of the House he was faithful; he was to be 
found in his seat, and his vote was rarely missing. 

His work as a Representative is ended. In the midst of 
Its cares he fell suddenly, and the cares that weary and the 
work that kills are his no more. 

Kind liauds at his own home have laid away, in their 
eternal rest, his mortal remains. Kind hearts there have 
b(n'ne eloquent tribute to his worth and manliness. It oidy 
remains for us, by theadoptitm of the pending resolution, to 
pay our iionest tribute to his memory. 

Whatever fate may liave in store for each one of us, 
whether it be to attain to what the world woiild call places 
of higher distinction, or to retire to the more obscuri'. Viut 
equally honorable, position of the private American citi- 



Life and Character of James P. IValker. 19 

zeu, we muy wull wish that when he who sooner or later 
comes to all shall claim ns as his own, we may leave behind 
us among our friends and associates a sorrow as universal, 
as deeply sincere, as his associates in tliis House here and 
now feel because of the absence from their ranks of Hon. 
James P. Walkek. 



Address of Mr, Frank of Missouri. 

Mr. Speaker: The triljutes paid tixlay to the memory of 
Mr. Walker by the gentlemen who have preceded me com- 
prehend so much that I had intended saying, that I can oidy 
add a few observations. 

My first meeting with Mr. Walker was during the first 
session of the Fiftieth Congress, and as I recall it in the light 
of my .subsequent well-establisliod acquaintance witli Jiim as 
a c(_illeague in my State delegation, I see most clearly those 
traits of his character which distinguished him. My apjjear- 
ance here at that time was as a contestant for the seat occu- 
pied by his Democratic colleague. Hon. John M. Glover. 
Inexperienced in legislative work, unfamiliar with procedure 
in contested-election cases, and new in this Chamljcr though 
he was, he extended to me the right hand of fellowship, cor- 
dially inviting me to a seat near at hand, and tendered me 
the benefit of his personal acquaintance with members on 
the floor. 

Coming from a source like this, when other avenues of in- 
formation from different sources ought to have been opened 
to me, I could not help but be impressed with the sincerity 
of his disposition, the broadness of his mind, and the fair- 
ness of his character. I learned to know him well during 
that Congress and this, and the impression made u]>on me 



20 AiMrcss of Mr. Fniii/:, of Missouri, on (he 

at this first meeting was streugtheuod every day of my in- 
tercourse with him. 

The Fourteenth Congressional district of Missouri is a 
very difficult one to rei)resent with satisfaction or ci-cdit. 
Stretching along the west bank of the great Mississip2)i foi- 
a distance of over 200 miles to the Arkansas line, it runs 
westwardly through a sparsely settled country to a dis- 
tance of two-thirds the width of the State of Missoui-i, an 
area covered with rich farms, producing the cereals and 
fruits as well as cotton. The population is well sprinkled 
witli colored people and many surviving veterans of the 
war. 

Seventeen large counties, with diversified interests, demand 
representation through their Congressman in this House. 
Intricate questions affecting the title to land and Sjtanish 
grants; questions affecting the river front and its levees; 
claims for ])ension and private l)ills for relief are con lid cd to 
his care. Not alone during the session of Congi-ess, bnt 
throughout the Congressional term, did these matters 
receive the unflagging, patient, and constant attention of 
Mr. Walker. 

The toil and burden of a political canvass for nomination 
and election from this large area can scarcely be estinuited, 
having a voting popnlation scattered throughout its length 
and breadth of nearly 40,000. With the same careful con- 
sideration which he bestowed npon his work here, so well 
known to his colleagues, he aimed to reach his constituents 
and come in actual toiich with them. 

The fact so fn^quently chronicled in the memorial of a de- 
ceased jmldic man, of college life and cducat ion, success and 
distinction at the bar and on the bciicli, must be omitted in 
the memorial of otir d(']iarted fi-iend. Without the advan- 
tages of education, without the benefits of social station, 



Life and Characirr of Jaiiicx P. JVa/kcr. 21 

amid tlie competition and contest for place, lie I'ose from tlie 
ranks to tlie highest position in the gift of his peojile. 

He despised all resort to unworthy arts and never stooped 
to tlioin. His public services are not easily computed. He 
gave his constituents his undivided time and sought their 
ai^proval by the quiet and conscientious performance of his 
duties. 

Missouri has good cause to feel iiroud of her representa- 
tion in the national legislative Halls since her participation 
in national legislation. The welfare of every State depends 
upon proper selection of her Representatives. I believe I do 
no injustice to any State when I claim for my own that she 
has had the services from the beginning of her sovereignty 
of as eminent men as this Hall has ever contained. They 
have not only come from the higher walks of life, from the 
pulpit and bar, and from other learned professions, but they 
have come equally well fitted for their work from the count- 
ing-room and from the farm, as did Mr. Walker. 

I have just received a letter from Mr. Moses Whybark, 
who was a candidate against Mr. Walker in his last elec- 
tion, and who lives in a part of the district quite remote from 
Mr. Walker's home, and it gives me great pleasure in quot- 
ing from it his tribute to the deceased: 

The early life of Mr. W.iLKER was si)ent on a farm and as clerk in a 
store. Afterwards he became a merchant. In these pursuits lie learned 
the people: a knowledge valuable to a man of his ability. 

In his political contests he had but little to hope for from the politi- 
cians; hence his appeals were always made direct tt) the people, who 
were always devoted to him and stood by him. 

His private life was without blemish, and at the time of Iiis dcatli he 
enjoyed the confidence and resjieet of all classes in his district, and his 
nearest neighbors were his closest friends. 

His political career in this State, in my opinion, lia<l just begun, and 
had lie lived, in the coui'se of a few years he would have taken a position 
in tlie front rank of his jiarty in this State. 



22 Address of Mr. Bland, of Missouri, on the 

The Fourteenth Congressional district of tlie State of 
Missouri, as well as the State, can well feel proud of the 
services, the name, and thfe memory of our departed col- 
league. 

James P. Walker was a good. God-fearing man. Un- 
obtrusive and unostentatious, he won his way to the front 
and gained public confidence by the simplicity and sobriety 
of his conduct. He is gone ; the good life he led was 
illumined by the faith which gives to the life beyond "the 
substance of things hoped for. the evidence of things not 

seen." 

Ahis for liim who never sees 
The stars sliiue through liis cypress trees; 
Who, liopeless, lays liis dead away. 
Nor looks to see the breaking day 
Across the mournful marbles play; 
Who hath not learned in liours of faith. 
The trutli to flesh and sense unknown. 
That life is ever lord of Death 
And love can never lose its own. 



Address of Mr. Bland, of Missouri. 

Mr. Speaker: Since I have been a member of the Hoiise 
of Representatives Missouri has been called upon to mourn 
the loss of four of her members of Congress. The first was 
Senator Bogy, who died during the interval between the 
Forty-fourth and the convening of the Forty-fifth Congress. 
The next was Mr. Lay, of Jefferson City, now a part of the 
district I have the honor to represent, who died at the 
National Hotel in this city during the Forty -sixth Congress. 
The next was Mr. Burnes, who was stricken with paralysis 
in the House while we were in session, and died the same 
night at Willard's Hotel in this city during the last scission 
of the Fiftieth Congress. Now we are here to pronounce 



Life and Character of James p. Walker. 23 

eulogies on tlie life and chai-acter of oiir late colleagne iu 
this Congress, who died suddenly of congestion of the bi'ain 
at Dexter, Missouri, last siimmer, while in active canvass 
i'nr his rendniinutidn. 

It is not claimed for Mr. Walker that he was a Innlliant 
man, but he was a yotiug man of sound, good judgment, 
great industry, and unswerving fidelity to the interests of 
his constituents, and patriotically devoted to the prosperity 
of his country. He was possessed of all those qualities that, 
imited with continued service here, would have made him 
one of the most useful and valuable members of this House. 
My acquaintance with him was when he came here as a 
member of the Fiftieth Congress. Since that time, and till 
his death, I was on very intimate terms of friendship with 
him. I admired his sinceritj'', his clear perception of duty, 
and the courage to perform it. He was, in every sense, an 
honest and faithful public servant. His district anil State 
naourn his untimely death. 

Mr. Speaker, the occasion now upon us is suggestive of 
the end of all our ambitions. 

Mr. Walker pronounced an eloquent eiilogy on the life 
and character of James N. Burnes. Mr. Bui'ues was a man 
of great physical powers. He was not old, but was stricken 
in middle life and in all the appearances of stalwart man- 
hood. Mr. Walker was then among the yoiingest mem- 
bers of the House, and no one would have predicted that he 
would be the first of our delegation to follow Mr. Burnes 
to the country from whose bourn no traveler returns; yet 
during the following session of Congress Mr Walker was 
summoned hence, almost as suddenly as the friend over 
whose untimely death he had so sincerely mourned. 

But what diii'erence whether we <lie young or old ? 
Whether Death snatches the infant from its mother's breast 



24 Address of Mr. U'adc, of Missouri, on the 

or waits till the liarvest is ripe and the scythe of eternity 
mows lis down at three-score and ten ? The last moments 
compress a centnry into one brief struggle, and we die at 
last in onr infancy. 

The generations of the past that have perished from the 
earth, the generations to come thousands of years hence, 
must be reckoned as our contemporaries. All time is a 
part of the great beyond. All time is but a moment. Thou- 
sands of years are but as so many drops of water dipped from 
the exhaustless ocean of eternity — so many grains of sand 
laved by the boundless river of Death. The most we can 
strive for is to die as did oiir colleagvae, Mr. Walker ; to 
\w\-\i that l)est of all eulogies, he was an honest man, "the 
noblest work of God." 



Address of Mr. Wade, of Missouri. 

Mr. Speaker: After what has Ijeen said here to-day of 
our late colleague, Mr. Walker, his life and his wortli. 
there seems to be little left for me to say, and I rise mei-fly 
to express my conciirrence in what lias been said and my 
high ajjpreciation of my deceased colleague. 

Mr. Speaker, in my opinion we are to-day discharging a 
duty twofold in character, namely, expressing our sorrow 
because of the death of our late colleague, and teaching the 
young men of this nation, both of to-day and the future, by 
what we say of him, tliat the road to honorable prefermrnt. 
to high and distinguished position, is open to them; and 
that earnest effort directed by correct principles will guide 
them through all the clumges in it to tlie attainment of these 
positions to which it is so laudable to aspire. 



Life and Lliaractcr of Janics p. ]]'alkcr. "Ih 

To the members uf this House I need not say thcitwlien it 
was announced tliat James P. Walker was dead a feeling 
of Sorrow pervaded this Chamber, for all remember it. We 
were sorrowful because a good man had been taken from 
the council of the nathju and we had lust a friend wIkhii we 
had learned to love because of his many good qualities botji 
of head and heart. 

Mr. Siaeaker, my colleague, Mr. Walker, was not a great 
man in the sense of having done anything that attracted 
the attention of the whole country, but he was a man who 
in his own county and district, all circumstances considered, 
had no superior and few equals. Whatever he was, he owed 
nothing to fi,)rtune for it. Commencing life in Missi.mri 
poor and without friends, by his own exertions he placed 
himself at the head of his party in the <listrict, and was one 
of the leading business men of his jjart of the State. 

In his family he was all that man could be, in the church 
lie was a leader both in theory and practice of its teachings, 
and wherever found was an honor to his church and a hum- 
ble devoted follower of his Master. 

In politics he was a pai'tisan in the sense of doing all in 
his power for the advancement of the interest of his party. 
He believed in Democracy, in the i:irinciples which it repre- 
sents, and having reached this conclusion, his convictions as 
to duty compelled him to earnestly and faithfully work for 
the advancement of the interest of that party. FroTU tlie 
success he had achieved, occupying the position which he 
did, we can safely conclude that had lie lived he was destined 
to occupy a position in his party that would have made him 
a conspicuous person not only in his State but in the 
nation. 

His life has been such that, .standing hei'e in the Hall of 
the greatest legislative body on the earth, we can point tuit. 



26 Address of Mr. S/oiic, of Missouri, on the 

and say to om- own sons and to those of tlie otlior fathers in 
this nation, "The life of James P. Walker is an example 
you shoiild follow." 

Mr. Speaker, I know of no higher tribute I can pay my 
dead colleague than to say that his life was such, his acts so 
honoi-ahle, as to make both a fit example by which the lives 
of the young men of the nation might be modeled and their 
actions governed. 



ADDRESS OF Mr. Stone, of Missouri. 

Reverence God and do your duty ! The sentence is prosaic, 
but it expresses all that is best in the philosophy of mortd an<l 
practical life. Obtrusive piety is not conclusive proof nor 1 he 
l)est proof of sanctity. The publican is sometimes better 
than the phai'isee. God is, and is good. Who believes that, 
embraces the suminuvi honum of all creeds, and wears ujion 
his heart the jewel of the purest faith. Omnipotence inspires 
a sense of dependence. Tnit dependence which, while it im- 
poses restraint, is without trepidation; for belief in the infinite 
goodness of God lifts the soul into contact witli divinity, 
wher(> the shadows are swept away by the flooding sunlight 
of lilial cnnfidence and devotion. 

He stands upon the Rock of Ages who builds, his moral 
and religious life on this simple faith. And in practical, 
everyday life man does his duty when, and only when, he 
does his best. Whatever his task, into whatever spliere lie 
may be called, sovereign, imperious duty requires of every 
man that he shall gird himself with high resolve to do his 
utmost to lift the world u]), to make it better, and 1o add 
what he can to the store of human happiness. Thr man wlio 



Life and Character of Janus p. M'alkrr. 27 

measures his design in life by this ideal is wurthy of all 
honor if he he true to himself. 

To tliine own self bo truo. 
***** 

Tliou canst not tlion be false to any man. 

When I say, as I do with all my heart, that my dead 
friend whose public service we commemorate to-day, illus- 
trated this simple but exalted philosophy to which I have 
made reference in all his relations to life, I have said every- 
thing that need be spoken even for the lamented dead by the 
partial lips of sincere affection, and have paid to him the 
pi"ou<lest tribute which honest merit ever won from unobse- 
quious homage. He had I'nund a .sure place in tlie affections 
of his colleagues. We loved him, and jjart from him with 
heavy hearts. It is pitiful to think of his going away. The 
sun, warm and In-ight, was pouring his flood of life and 
glory on field and laughing lirook. ( )n the air was the smell 
of roses and in the trees the song of Itirds, and all the world 
was beautiful when the darkness came — a quick, sudden, 
endless eclipse ju.st before the noontide. 

He fell in the full bloom of his manhood and in the 
flowering time of his fame, when hope, a-nswering his heai't- 
cry for still Ijetter things, like some sweet angel smiled in 
the bliie sky of promise and pointing upward held in her 
outstretched hand a golden crown. It is pitifiil and strange 
tliat this brave, honest, splenili<l, high-soulod young man 
should be swept away when the world stands in such need 
of him and men like liim. But God is, and is good. 

Can it be, as Prespero said, that — 

We are sucli stuff 

As (h-eains are made of: anil our little life 

Is roimded with a sleep? 

Death is a mighty mystery, Init so is life. 



28 Address of Mr. Kiuscy, of Missouri^ on the 

Once a poet's lovo lay dead. He was a dreamer of great 
and l)eautiful dreams, and had woven many a sweet fancy 
into rliytlimic verse. On his knee sat his little one gazin.tjj 
at tlie dead white face, her trusting child love throljliiug 
about her wounded heart and melting in her eyes of hluc 
He said, "You do not know what it is, dear ?" and added, 
" Nor do I." 

We know not what it is. dear, this sleep so deej) and still: 
Tlie folded hands, the awful calm, the cheek so pale ami stiU; 
Tlie lids that will not lift a^ain. though we may call and call; 
The stiange white solitude of peace that settles over aU. 

But this wi> know: Our loved and dead, if they should come this day- 
Should come and ask us, ■• What is life?" not one of us could say. 
Life is a mystery as deep as ever death can be. 



ADDRESS OF Mr. KINSEY, OF MISSOURI. 

Mr. Speaker: Tlic sudden and unexpected death of our 
late colleague and friend impressed nie with peculiar sad- 
ness, and I remember well with what painful surprise the 
news was whispered about this Hall on that fateful day to 
him in last Jialy. 

He had gone home. lik(^ many otlua-s. to seek renomina- 
tion, and while in the midst of an exciting political contest, 
and when success had again crowned his efforts. Death 
claimed him in his proud yotmg manhood, and for a wreath 
of victory the white mantle of the grave was placed upon 
his brow instead. 

To h.ive thus gone whi^n a high and honorable ambition 
h.'id just l)eon achieved, whtui life was fullest of all its bless- 
ings, when wife and friends in dumb sorrow and with out- 
stretched hands beckoned him back, seems strange iud 1, 



Life aiiif Clmractcy flf JoDifs p. JJ'a/kcr. 29 

find we turn agaiu from tlie impenetrable veil of the here- 
after with the mystery of death unsolved, with the question 
which humanity in all ages has sought to know unanswered. 

Happily Mr. Walker did not feai'. thdugli he did not 
know, the journey upon which he entered. I am told he was 
a devout Christian, and, with an abiding faith in the mercy 
and goodness of God, placed his in the Eternal hand, willing 
to be led. 

My acquaintance and intercfnirso with him began witli 
this Congress, and was confined to the discharge of public 
duties. Our districts adjoined, and, being of different polit- 
ical faiths, it has so happened that there have been few 
appointments ma<le in his district during the present Admin- 
istration with which I have not had something to iln. I 
have thiis been brought in contact with his people, with 
every opportunity to know all that partisan opposition might 
siiggest against him. 

It affords me i)leasure to testify upon this occasion that, 
while James P. Walker was true to his political principles 
and to his jjolitical friends, and although partisanship in the 
district which he lately represented is intense ui)on botli 
sides, I have yet to hear anglit said against him as an hon- 
orable gentleman and a true man. 

I know that in the discharge of public duty he was actu- 
ated Ijy high and patriotic motives, and that the lioncn' and 
welfare of his people were safely intrusted to ins hands. 

He accorded in a remarkable degree the right of his suc- 
cessful jiolitical adversaries to a full and complete control 
of the administration of affairs, freely conceding what he 
would no doubt have claimed for himself under nther cir- 
cumstances. 

Mr. Walker"s political convictions were of that rugged 
character which led him apparently to disdain all alliance 



;10 Address of Mr. I Invu^, o/ Wfissiiiin\ on the 

witli ilie opposition hiiviug for its oliject lu« incru i)urwiiiial 
;i(lvancemeiit, preferring rather to stand or fall with the 
pi'iiieiples of his pai'ty. 

In personal intercourse he was most courteous and kind, 
above reproach in private life, and ])ossessed of ability and 
character which contained the promise of a long and viseful 
public career. 

Mr. Speaker, it is with sad pleasure I join in paying this 
tribute to tlie memory of our departed friend, and in accord- 
ing to him in death that meed of praise which in both pri- 
vate and public life he so justly earned. 



ADDRESS OF Mr. Heard, of Missouri. 

Mr. Speaker: The custom in accordance with which we 
are to-day assembled is approjjrkitely and worthily observed 
oulv when the surviving associates c^f the one whose virtues 
are to be commemorated in a spirit of candor and truth 
record their testimony to his worth. It is with feelings of 
sincere sadness that I come on this occasion to pay humble 
tribute to the memory of my dead colleague and friend. 
But the burden of the duty is made lighter by the conscious- 
ness that it can best be discharged by simple, truthful ref- 
erence to the chai-acter of him in wlmsc honor I would speak. 

My acquaintance with Mr. Walker began several years 
])rior to his entering this House, and when I knew him as 
tin; youngest but one of tlie most valued members of the 
State executive committee of the political party which sul)- 
sequently honored him with a seat in this body. Tlie re- 
sponsibilities imposed by that position were met in the same 
conscientious, quiet, modest, hut I'ffective manner that char- 
acterized the discharge of his duties here. 



Life and Character of Jniins I\ IWilker. '?A 

Cautions without timidity, bold without recklessness, 
fruitful of resource, and patient and untiring in labor, he 
was a wise counselor and a safe leader. In that, his first 
important political ])(»ition, his force of conduct and the 
demonstrated excellence of his judgment marked him as a 
man of promise in his party and State. 

When by the suffrages of a large and populous district 
he was elected to a seat in this body he so(.)n impressed his 
associates here with the fact that, even with his youth, he 
brought great ripeness of judgment, and that while he was 
properly deferential to the views of those more experienced 
in the labors of legislation, yet when, after investigation, 
he had matured his convictions, there was no power on earth 
that could swerve him from the direction they indicated. 

There wei'e never united in one nature more absolute re- 
spect for the opinions of others with UKjre perfect devotion 
to his own belief in all matters of conscience; and all mat- 
ters of duty were matters of conscience with him. Quiet 
and unobtrusive in his manners and companionable in his 
disposition, he was ajiproachable to all; but while cordially 
responsive to all ])i-oi)ur advances, there was yet a silent dig- 
nity iu his manner which discouraged familiarity, and while 
always cheerful, he was never frivolous. 

As a Reijresentative of his people he was untiring in his 
efforts and faithful to every ol)ligation. As a mend)er on 
this floor he impressed all who came iu contact with him 
that the frankness of his manner was the natural reflection 
of his honest nature, and no man hesitated to accept his word 
or permitted himself to question the purpose it disclosed. 

Kind iu expression, yet free from the weakness of flattery, 
he was candid to the measure of perfection, hated dissimula- 
tion, and despised all manner of dishonesty. 

To those of us who had opportunity for observing his 
course here, it was not strange that he i)ossessed great 



^2 Address of Mr. Iltdid^ of Missouri., on the 

slri^igtJi willi t.lic poojjlo uiiiDiig wliuiii liclivLid. Hisc;n'(;(jr, 
iliciiijj:li brief, was quite -i^ successful, .-uiil in some respects a 
i'('in;irk;ilile, one. 

Being engaged in mercantile })ursuits, and witlioiit legal 
or other i)rofessional training, lie entered iiis first contest for 
Congressional nomination in ;i district composed of seven- 
teen counties, filled with an intelligent and inilepcmlrnl 
people; ■•uid although the honor was contested by compet- 
itors of decided al)ility, some of whom had the adv;intage of 
nnich legislative experience and recognized claims for dis- 
tinguished public service, even with such odds against him, 
such was the i)oi»ularity of Mr. Walkek with all elenuMils 
of his party and all classes of itsvotei's, that he easily won 
tliere the right to the seat which subseiiuently he so wortliily 
filled in this House. 

In his next and last contest for similar honors he mot a 
still more able and distinguished competition; and while ho 
fell in the midst of the hot conflict for honorable supremacy 
and before its results could be known, it is no disparage- 
ment to the honorable gentlemen then opposing him to say 
that had he lived to see its termination he had good ground 
for hoiH! that to his honest and unstained hand would again 
have been committed the colors of his party, which in life 
he had always borne to triumphant success and in death re- 
liniiuished with(jut re]>roach or dishonor. Of this modest, 
manly Representative it is not too much to say that he made 
a record for work achieved for his district that no predeces- 
sor had in the same length of time over surpassed. 

His legislative methods were in every sense characteristic 
of tiiemau— plain, direct, and without concealment — relying 
on truthful, honest reasoning to supjiort tmly what he be- 
lieved to be reasonable and just demands for his district and 
State; and his success in winning support for his measures 



I.ifc and Character of James P. Walker. 35 

cauiu in no .small (l(3gree fn^m tlio unlimited contidfuce en- 
tertainod by the committees of Congress and liy Ins col- 
leagues oil this fl<.)or in the perfect fairness with which he 
presented every argument and the absolute fidelity to truth 
of his every statement of fact. 

In the death of this excellent Representative and liuuest 
citizen his district and State have suffered a severe loss. 

The people whom he represented had good material f r<jm 
which to select his successor, and I am prcnid to say that in 
making such selection they have acted wisely and well; but 
even in the possession of other citizens qualified to worthily 
represent their district here no CdUimunity or State is rich 
enough in the number and ([uality of its men to suffer tlie 
loss of such a one as this witliout feeling it to Ije an affliction. 

I leave to others lietter informed upon that suljject to 
speak in detail of his domestic affairs, i)ausing only to say 
to the devoted wife— whosc^ loss is irrepara-ble, and (if 
whom it is only just mention to say she was as worthy of as 
happy in his love— that whatever other legacy she may have 
received from him. he ha-s curiched her with a name that 
will forever stand as the .synonym fur honesty, purity of 
character, and lidelity to trust in the annals of his district, 
State, and nation, and a memory not (inly inexpressibly dear 
to her, but rich in comfort to his friends. 



Address of Mr. Wilson, of West Virginia. 

Mr. Si'EAKER: ''Judged by all fair standards, his life was 
a well-rounded success." These were words uttered but a few 
mouths .since by James P. Walker when (hi' body of liis 
colleague, Judge Burues, had been borne fmni this Chamber 
stricken by the shaft of the unerring archer. Who that 
then looked upon the speaker, in the vigor of health and in 
H. Mis. Vi\ — -3 



34 Address of Mr. U'i/sni/, of J J 'is/ J'irgiuia, on (he 

tlic strength ^A yi>ung iii;iii1ioim1, (Ircaiiicil tliut the saiiu' re- 
lentless foe, with l)()\v ah'cady hrnt and fatal arrow wint^cd, 
was looking for hiiu hut a litllf fartiier down tlie road? 
And we who come to-day witli our words of eulogy and of 
sorrow miss one consolation, in that we can not take np his 
own language and say of liini too that, "Judged Ijy all fair 
standards, his life was a widl-rounded success." 

In the precious i-oll of its dead which this ILmse so 
tenderly and carefully preserves the career of James P. 
Walker must be forever typified by the broken shaft. If 
he came not into the vineyard at the eleventh houi-, neither 
had he reached the burden and heat of the day when his 
work suddenly ended and he departed from among the 
toilers. We who remain can only judge how faithfully ho 
would have done the full day's task by knowing how well 
a,nd faithfully he wrf)Ught through the morning's early 
hour; and what more can be asked of any man? 

( )nr times are W)\, in our own hands, and He wlio gave the 
work ciUli'd olf the woi'ker. To live well it is not necessary 
to live long. Mr. Walker was among the youngest of our 
number when he ceased to be of that niimber, but he was 
older in years than James Madison was when he did the 
work that gained for liim the name of "Father of the Con- 
stitution;" older in yeai's than was Alexander Hamilton 
when lie administered with such signal ability the difficult 
finances of our infant Government; older in years tlian was 
Henry Clay when lie i)resided over this House with the ap- 
l)lause of all his countrymen. 

But who is tt) be measured with tliese great statesmen? 
Wo show our sincere respect for our deceased brother only 
when we recall him as he really was; only when we claim 
for him what he himself would wish us to chiim could he 
inspire our tongues in these memorial services. 



Life and Cliai actcr of Jaiins P. U 'alkcr. 85 

Of Mr. Walker wo may .say, in the sulnii- and meas- 
ured speech of lionest tribute, tliat t(j all the manifold grave 
and difRcnlt duties of his olliee he brouglit integrity of 
motive, earnestness of purpnse, intelligent judgment, an<l 
steady industry. 

These are the only (qualities that a constituency can ask of 
any Representative. Great power in del)ate, great leader- 
ship in public or party counsels give to such qualities na- 
tional fame and iufliionce, but the qualities alone are a 
complete equipment for pul)lic as for private duties. 

It is no strained eulogy that claims tlieni for oiu- friend; 
it is no partial a.nd undiscerning testimony fluit bears wit- 
ness to their lUKjbtrusive but constant exhibition during 
his service in this House, set ott' by the graces of a kindly 
disposition and tlie virtues of a blameless and winning pri- 
vate character. 

The death of sucli a man, before he had reached life's 
prime, was a loss to his country, to Ins State, and to his 
friends. But, after all, Mr. Speaker, dcj we err greatly if, 
recurring once again to liis own words, wt; venture to claim 
for him that in its summing up no sudden and premature 
ending could rob his life of its true success ? And may we 
not apply to him these noble and familiar lines of Ben 
Jonson : 

It is not growing like a tree 

In bulk doth make man better be: 

Or standing long an oak, three hundreil year. 

To fall a log at last, dry, bald, ami sere. 

In small proportion we just lieanties see. 

And in short measure.s life may perfect be. 



30 A(Mnss of Mr. Niedriiighaus, of Missouri^ on the 

ADDRESS OF MR. NiEDRINGHAUS, OF MISSOURI. 

Mr. Speaker: Mr. Walker, our worthy and honored 
coUeagiie, is no more. He died at his post, jjursuing his 
course of duty as a, puhlic servant. It wa.s not liis (dioicc 
to follow a public career, as it was against both his tastes 
and interests, but there was some unseen power and influ- 
ence tliat bade him follow the call and choice of his i)eoi>le, 
Avho selected him from amring the many as worthy to bear 
their message and voice their will in the Congress of tlie 
United States. 

Tt was early in life when ilr. Walker left the scenes of 
his childhood in eastern Tennessee and cast his lot with the 
])eoi)le of southeastern Missouri, where he lived, loveil, was 
loved, and prospered. He was advanced to the most honored 
jjosition ^vithin the gift of the people of Kis district, and yet 
comparatively so young. 

Mr. Walker had a most noble I'havacter, unassuming, 
lionest, candid, and affectionate. I hajiijeu to know .some- 
thing about tills, as he was one of the first to greet me as a 
new member on this floor, and quite an intimate relationshij) 
s])rang up between us, although of dill'erent jiolitieal creeds; 
buf while excitement on this floor may run high, the discus- 
sion and debate become heated, the ditt'erences in oitinion 
clasli in apparent bitter antagonism, away down dee]) in the 
hearts of the Representatives there is unity of aim and pur- 
])ose, and we reach fortli and grasp each others' hands in true 
friendship and brotherly love. 

This, Mr. Speaker aiid ('olloagues, is the redeeming feature 
in American politics, hardly shared by any other people. 
D(>mocrat and Republican can sit down, inti-usting or dis- 
closing to one another for mutual consolation the strife 



T.ifi- and Chnracler of Jaiius p. ]]'aU;cr. '?n 

and troiililo whicli tliovi'iK-'DuiitiTasiiulilic servants. Tliank 
the Lord for this scope of aflfectiun, syiupatliy, and love, so 
Iniman and yet divine. 

Mr. Walker liad the welfare of liis ]ieoph- at lieart. I 
remember \\n\\ lie represented their wants l)cfore tlie River 
and Harhor Committee, and how he pleaded for their rights. 
Before he left for home to attend to some political affairs, 
or to settle some dilificnlties that had arisen in his district, 
he made it my dnty to see that the claims of his pcojile were 
projierly recognized, and I am glad to say that the com- 
mittee granted his reqnest. His family may point with 
])ride to some visible results due to the personal efforts of 
iiHslia.nd arid father. 

Mr. Walker was not one of the strongest of men physi- 
cally, and the strain upon a man in jjuhlic life is very severe. 
It is not only the antagonism of the opposing party, but dis- 
content, rivalry, and opposition in his own ranks that tax the 
nervous system to the fullest extent, and under this strain 
Mr. Walker finally succumbed. Before his work in his 
district was done he returned to his home in the modest town 
of Dexter a sick and care-worn man. No doubt everything 
possible was done for him, but in spite of all efforts, sur- 
rounded by his family and friends, under the devoted care 
of a loving wife, who nursed the spark of life, slowly but 
surely the candle of life burned to its very socket, and the 
spirit of husband and friend took its eteriuil flight. 

A sad and impressive day it was when the remains of 
James P. Walker were carried and followed to the grave; 
pitiful it was to behold the parting pain of the wife, who sank 
her all below where now the earth is heaped; and th(> multi- 
tude dispersed. The family also retrace their steps; but this 
time the wife enters her home alone. What a change! Wliat 
desolation ! No word of love, of cheer, she hears. She gives 



38 Address of Mr. NirdrinoJiniis, of Missouri, on the 

lull vent to her fooling wlieu shut in from publicgazp. Ver- 
ily, a sad scene; all her hopes blasted and happiness for- 
ever gone; but, as the bosom of the wife heaves high with 
pain as though her heart would break, the Spirit of God 
whispered to her words of love and consolation : "Fear not, 
foi- 1 am with thee, even unto the end of the world," and a 
kind of heavenly rest comes over her as she lends an open 
ear to this and other gentle assurances of the Son of Man. 
Peace and hope return to her, and soon she passes into snund 
and gentle rest, and the guardian angel spreads his soothing 
wings over her, in the sight of which all human passions van- 
ish like dew before the morning sun. The heart utters a silent 
prayer: "I long to be like Thee; I long to sin no more." 

As I walked this morning along the corridors and through 
Statiiary Hall, viewing the great characters of the nation as 
thoy are memorized on canvas and in marble, I wondered 
whether the name f)f Walker would appear. I fear that, as 
in the case of many of us, it will soon i)ass from the memory 
of the people; Init there is one tender soul where a monument 
is erected to his memory. I imagine that while she may 
for pastime and relief cultivate lovely flowers in her room, 
one plant receives her special attention. We will not ask 
for any explanation, but wait. 

When the winter days are over, on the first line s]n'ing 
morning, she takes her little treasure and makes her way \o 
yonder grove. She plants it in the little mouud that holds 
her all, bedewing tlie lillle plant, the " forget-me-not," with 
her gentle tears. She lives her life over once more; when 
first they met as friends, courtship, marriage, and ha]ipy 
family life; all passes like a panorama before her vision. 
As we draw near we hear a heart-melting wail, such as only 
woman can deliver, as she offers herself anew In him to 
whom she gave her hand, her heart, her all in life. 



Life and Character of James P. Walker. 39 

We leave tlie scene, and as we cast cnir last glance — 
"Rest," we will say; "rest, James P. Walker, until the 
end of time, until the resiuTection moi-n, when God shall 
create all things anew, and when we, too, shall reappear in 
the multitude to join in the shout of joy and jiraise to Him 
who created and to Him wluj redeemed us, and crown Him 
'Lord (if aU.'" 



Address of Mr. Mansur, of Missouri. 

Mr. Speaker: Again Missouri is called upon to mourn the 
loss of one of her truest sons. James P. Walker, late a 
Rejiresentative in tliis body from the Fourteenth district of 
that State, died at his home on the 19th day of July, ISOO. 
Coming so soon afti'rthc death of his collt\-igue. Hon. James 
N. Bnrnes, also electi'(l to this term of Congress, intensifies 
his loss to our home people. 

To lose two memljers, elected to serve at the same session 
of Congress, constitutes an affliction not often visited u])on 
a sovereign State of this Union. His death is l)ut another 
illusti'ation of the truth of the scripture, that "In the midst 
of life we are in death." 

Little did his colleagues reck when at the call of duty in 
this fieldof honor ho came hurriedly from an arduous can- 
vass to remain a ilay and cast his vote against the Ff'deral 
election hill, and, that duty jierforined, liade us goodhy io 
return to a personal canvass involving his rei'lection, that 
he was bidding us good l>y forevei-. Sad. indeeil. that one .so 
in-os])erous in every sens(\ so full ( )f Iioik irs fi )r his years, with 
other honors still in wait, bidding him onward and u])ward, 
should be stricken in comparative youth, health, and vigoi', 



40 Address of Mr. Mansur, of Afissoiir?\ on the 

so that, save in lovint^ ini'iiiin-ies, liis family, friends. State, 
anil (^inntry sliall know liini no more forever. 

My acquaintance witli liini began with the Fiftieth Con- 
gress. The fact that wo two were tlie only new Democratic 
members in that tei-ni in tlie dclrn-ation from Missouri nat- 
urally in the first instance drew us together, when personal 
contact day by day l)i'ought into full vision his many true 
and loving characteristics as a manly man, and ripened our 
intimacy before his death into close personal friendship. 

He was sing^ilarly modest, yet not m<n-e so than firm in his 
convictions of duty. Moral and upright in every resi)ect, 
he never ti'ifled with duty as he saw it, or with his convic- 
tions of right. 

A staunch party man upon all fundamental principles of 
party doctrine, yet toiich his moral sense, or aroiise liis 
conscience, and party discipline had no terrors for liini. 
Based upon immutable principles of right or wrong, he 
knew no compromise and condoned no political outrage or 
legislative fraud, come from what quarter they would or 
charaijioned by what party soever it might be. 

He loved his State, he believed in his party, he honored 
his friends. In all the relations of life he was a model man, 
a splendid citizen, and an honest Representative of the 
people in Congress. 

There was a humorous side to his character, but few of 
his colleagiies on this flooi- are perhaps aware of. After our 
intimacy ripened into friendship, which gradually made 
friends of our wives as well, we were in the habit of visiting 
oac'h other and si)ending evenings in social converse. Her(>, 
unbending from the stern duties of political life, tliawing 
out l)y genial surroundings, he became most companionaldo 
and full of humor, not racy or rancid, but suggestive of the 
comical, pure in spirit, well adapted to a family circle. 



Life and CItaraclcr of James p. Walker. 41 

slinwiut,' that lie was a close observer, quick to see the 
Jiuinoroiis and ridicidons in word or act, ready to turn tlie 
same to advantage, and alile to clothe his thoughts in such 
language, aided by a nod. a wink, or grimace, as made him 
a most charming companion indeed. On such occasions he 
was thp soul of our little circle, and it was always wiili 
regret I knew the hour had come for iis to part. 

Beneath the green sod of southeastern Missouri, where 
zephyr winds sing a mournful yet pleasant symphony as 
they float amid the umbrageous shade overhead, his body 
lies forever, moldering in the dust. Liveliest memories 
of all that is good and honorable will be ever cherished by 
those who knew James P. Walker, the genial gentleman, 
model citizen, true friend, honest Representative, and ador- 
ing husband. 



Address of Mr. Stockbridge, of Maryland. 

Mr. Speaker: Throughout the universe the law of con- 
trast reigns supreme. It is by the'shadow. by the darkness 
alone, that we are enaljled to enjoy and appreciate the light. 
It is but by the bitter that we know the sweet. It is there- 
fore meet and fitting that we should pause in the heat of 
political strife to pay a tribute to the memory of one who 
was associated with us here. It was given to but few to 
know intimately the family relations of the late James P. 
Walker. That has been testified here to-day in no uncer- 
tain tones by those who enjoyed the privilege. 

My own acquaintance with Mr. Walker was only during 
this Congress. It was my fortune to be associated with 
him ui)on one of the important committees of this House, 
and there I learned to know him as a clear thinker, a cour- 



42 Address of Mr. Slockbridgc, of Afary/ai/d^ on tlic 

ageoiis man, a faithful student, and an earnest advocate of 
that which he believed to be right and for the benefit of 
the whole country. As the soldier meets no more honf)red 
or fitting death than in the heat of battle, so the departed 
could liuve nil liiL;lu'r fortune tliau to have passed away 
even while engaged in the active laljors of political contest. 

To those of us who knew him upon this floor in the woi'k 
that devolves upon the Representatives gathered in this 
Capitol of the nation he has been known not, it may be, 
as a great man, Init as a man faithful early and late to 
those with whose interests he was intrusted, faithful always 
to principle, whatever opposition he might encounter. Tt 
is not given to many men to make a lasting imprint upon 
tli(Ui' nation or their time. 

But few rise to eminence either in professional life, in 
politics, in the arts, or in arms, or leave a name to go echo- 
ing down the ages; but each one, by the influence he exerts 
upon Ills I'i'llow-iiicn. n]ion those with wliom \w is liroiiglit 
in contact, not men^ly witiiin this Hall, but upon the 
In-oadei- fields of life wherever he may lie, can imjiart a 
s])irit which will make itself felt long after he shall have 
passed away, and even those with whom he has been associ- 
ated. As was said by one of the iioets of England — 

Between two worlds life liovers like a star 

'Twixt iiittlit anil morn iiiion the liorizon's verge. 
How little ilo we know that which we are. 

How less what we may lie; the eternal surge 
Of time and tide rolls on ami U^ars afar om- Imlililes: 
As the old hurst new emerK<' lashed from the foam of ages, 
Wliile the K'aves of em|iires heave hut as some jiassing wave. 

But tliough the individual must ])ass away, and even Ins 
naine may be forgotten, he can send, and 1 lielie\-e oui' late 
friend has sent, forth an intluiMice which shall go on swell- 
ing and swelling, not merely in his district, but in liis State 



Life and C/iaracfcr of James P. II 'alker. 48 

and .among all those who are brono-jit in contact with it. and 
which will make his nani(^ honored, loved, and revered, so 
that many a man hereafter, when he tells the tnith that 
wells uji within his heart, will say, " I am a Letter and 
nobler man for the influence shed npon my life by James P. 
Walker;" and no Avorthier crown coidd be sought or 
could be attained by anyone. 



Address of Mr, Wilson, of Missouri. 

Mr. Speaker: The names f)f my immediate predecessors. 
James Nelson Burnes and James Peter Walker, appear in 
the list of those elected from Missouri to the present Con- 
gress. The former was the oldest, the latter the youngest, 
of the delegation. At that time Mr. Burnes api^eared to be 
in the very maturity of all his sjilendid powers, both of Iiody 
as well as of intellect. His unusually robust per.son was sug- 
gestive o-f the greatest physical endurance and his whole 
appearance indicated the strongest hold upon life. 

Mr. Walker was in the full flush of vigoi-ous young man- 
hood; his sinewy and grac(>ful person, the ln-ightness of his 
eye. the si^ringing step, and the bloom of perfect health 
ui)on his cheek, all warranted his loving little family and 
more than legion of friends in believing that his days of 
u.sefulness would continue and his life be prolonged to the 
age of n^an allotted l)y the Psalmist. A close friendship 
existed Ijetween Judge Burnes and Mr. Walker. The 
younger sat at the feet of the elder and the stronger man, 
and partook freely from the varied and well-filled storehouse 
of his greater experience in jiublic atVairs. 

But how insci'utable ari^ the ways of the Giver of all life! 
On the 2:id day of February, 1S8!), the same sad ceremonies 



•1 1 Address of Mr. Wilson, of Missouri, ou the 

we are now observing, and wliicli have been so often repeated 
here, were being held to commemorate tlie life and jHiblic 
character of the latter, who had without ajiparent w;u'niiig 
been stricken down in all the plenitude of his great i)(i\v(Ts 
within the very iiortals of the Capitol; and a-mong the bright 
garlands intertwined witli gems of ritdiest tribute that wore 
interwoven here to liis memory none was more tomlerly 
wrought or more fragrant with the perfume of a wann, gen- 
erous heart, none fashioned in greater sincerity, than 11 lat <>f 
James P. Walker. 

Little did he then think— little did his colleagues and his 
friends, little did those stricken ones whosehearts now bleed 
and who most did love him— that he was so soon tn fnlldw 
his nieiitor and his friend to the tindiscovered country. With 
but brief warning again did Azrael, the angel of death, ever 
impatient, revisit the Missouri delegation and beckon away 
its Benjamin to those peaceful shades unknown to the living. 
Mr. Speaker, though the breadth of our great State sepa- 
rates our homes, his beinginthesoutheasternandmineintln' 
northwestern portion of Missouri, yet I knew him well, and 
I loved this modest, pure-hearted man. He told me without 
reserve the story of his life. Hetoldmehow. when but aboy. 
he left the good old State of Tennessee and crossed theMis- 
sissi])])i in .search of fame and fortune, and without aid save 
from his own indomitable energy and sturdy purpose. 

Among the brave and generovis people of the southwestern 
pcii'tiou iif my State he apjirart'd a,s a. stripling stranger .-nid 
bravely began the battle of life. No gladiator contending 
at the Olympic games ever struggled more heroically for 
the])riz;es of life than did young Walker. 

Kmliarking at an early age in trade, he pursued with 
enthusiasm the rich comnutce of that broad river which De 
Soto discovered and in wiiich his h(\irt is entombeil. 



fjfc and Characlci- of James P. II 'alkcr. \h 

IndustiioiiM, energetic, enterprising, sell'-reliant, frugal, 
and wortsliiping honesty as his star, success was inevitanle. 
He soon attracted to himself the confidence of the ci.ininiu- 
uity in which he lived, and was not only successful in liiisi- 
ness, but laid deep the foundation of a career of great future 
usefulness to himself, his family, and to his adopted 
State. 

Having acquired a mijdest competence, and feeling the 
spirit of a laudable ambiticni stirring within him, he became 
a candidate for the Fiftieth Congress, and though opposed 
for the honors of his jiarty by an array of unusually bright 
men, he was nominated and elected. He was reelected to 
the present Congress without serious opposition. 

His untimely death was doubtless hastened by the sense 
of duty he deemed due to his constituents and the people of 
Ms State. Having" oljtained leave of absence, he had gone 
to his district to again contest for the honor of its rep- 
resentation ui)on this floor. During the fierce heat of an 
exceedingly animated contest he was notified of the near 
approach <.if the hour for the final vi-ite upon a measure the 
defeat of which was deemed l)y his constituents as vital to 
the jjrosperity of his State and of his country. 

Though thoroughly worn down by the tremendous strain 
imposed ujioii him by the exactions of his canvass, instead 
of following the dictates of prudence and seeking in the 
quiet of his home recuperatio]i from his exhausting labor 
he promptly started for the Cajutol, and on his arrival, hav- 
ing cast his vote, with characteristic energy returned to the 
civic strife in whicli he was then engaged. But there is a 
limit to human endurance even to the young athlete; over- 
taxed nature demanded of him the penalty of its violated 
laws, for soon after his reiui'u to his district he was stricken 
down upon the sands of that shoreless sea which, witlnnit 



4(i Address of Mr. 1 1 'i /so it, of Missouri, on lite 

sun <ir hnrizDii, rolls its ilark waters Ijulwuuii tiiiiu ami 
otLTiiity. 

.Ml-. Walkek was of sinij;ular puiity of chai"ictfr. His 
daily iiitercoiu-se witli tliu woild was tliat of an upright, 
cLaslc liL'arteu, coiiscicnitious. Christum gentleman. Blame- 
less ill his i)rivalc life, tlic rcccinl he has made here attests, 
in lansi'ua.^-e more ehxiuent and impressive than any words 
I can eniphjy, his great worth as a public servant, and here, 
without spot or blemish, shall it endure as long as the arehives 
of this (government shall be preserved, a consolation to those 
who most loved him and a source of j)ride to his Stale. 

As I stand here in this august presence, bearing a hum- 
ble part in these sad ceremonies, I am forcibly reminded not 
only of their frequent repetition since the meeting of this 
Congress, but in connection with them the absolute hoi low- 
ness and vanity of that which the world calls fame. Tlu; 
memoi-able words of Horace Greeley recur to me— so full of 
the pith of human wisdom: " Fame is a vapor; po]mhirityan 
accident: I'lches take wings; the only earthly certainty is 
ol)li\'ion."" 

No nuui can foresee what a day may bring forth; while 
those who cheer to-day may curse to-morrow. Public honors 
are but too often the symbols of jiatient mediocrity, and what 
the world terms statesmanship is often the mere out ward sign 
( )f servile obedience to the masters and bosses of part y . Uix )n 
an occasion like this liow worthless and fleeting seem worldly 
honors and the applause of men, being forcibly reminded as 
we are that there is but a breath of air and a beat of the 
heart betwixt this world and the next, and in that brief in- 
terval of painful and awful suspense that we are powerless 
and He all-powerful, and the last pulsation here is but the 
prelude to endless life hereafter. 

When our good and ( mr loved ones die the memory of their 



Life and Cliaracler of Janus P. Walker. 47 

just deeds, like the inouid)e:ims uu the yt(jriny sen, liyhts u]) 
our darkened liearts, and h.'nds to the surrounding glomn a 
beauty so sweet and sa(h tliat wc would not if we could dis- 
pel the darkness that environs it. 

I now close this brief though sincere and heartfelt tribute 
to the memory of my dead friend. 

He was a model in all the tender relations of domestic life. 
As a friend he was loyal and true, and he died as he had 
lived, a devoted jjatriot, an able and faithful servant of the 
peoijle, and a Christian yentleman. To join that pale pro- 
cession which endless moves to that land (if shadows to 
which our colleague has gone we too are moving. Nothing 
remains the same for a day. Change is written upon every- 
lliing. In the •' mellow rythm" of the grand master — 

Life's slioies are shiftiuj^ 

Every year; 
And we are seaward drifting 

Every year; 
Old places, changing, fret us, 
The living more forget us, 
There are fewer to regret us, 

Every year; 
But the truer life draws nigher, 

Every year; 
Earth's hold on us grows slighter, 
An<l the heavy bmden lighter, 
ilntl the dawn immortal brighter, 
Every year. 



48 Address of Mr. Morrill, oj Kansas, on the 



Address of Mr. Morrill, of Kansas. 

Mr. Speaker: It .sooius fitting that we sliould turn fmni 
the tictive duties of the hmir ;inil pause during the all- 
absorbing cares of public life to pay a tribute of respect to 
one who honored us by his presence and won our respect 
and admiration by his pure and noble life. When tlie 
announcement was made that the .sunitnons. whicli sooner 
or later must come to us all, had called from our midst cmi- 
friend and co-worker James P. Walker, it brought with 
it a shock inexjjressibly sad, as he had left us a few .short 
days before a})parently in jierfoct health and in the full 
vigor of manhood. 

I recall vividly the morning that he bade me goodby, 
full of life and hope, announcing that he jvas about to 
return to his Western home to engage in a contest for a 
renominatitju for the position he had so faithfully filled. 
Of his early life I shall not aftemjit to speak, as my 
ac(iuaintance with him commenced with the beginning of 
the Fiftieth Congress. Others who knew him longer and 
more intimately have already discharged that duty with 
loving care in ajjpropriate and eloipient language. When 
the committees of that Congress were announced my friend 
was assigned to a position on that of Invalid Pensions, and 
in that committee I met for the first time one who after- 
wards won my respect aiul confidence. 

The acciuaiutvince thus formed developed into a sincere 
and tru(' friendship, which lasted until the summons came 
which called him from earth. The intimate relations follow- 
ing that friendshii) were never di.stnrhed. and my res])ect 
and attachment for him increasd as I became more thoroughly 



Life and Cliaracter of James p. Walker. l!l 

acquainted witli liiin ami learned Ids true worth. He was 
singularly unostentatious and unassuming. Possessed of a 
strong mind, always clearly seeing his duty, he never liesi- 
tated to discharge it with fidelity. He seemed actuated by 
the single i^urpose to do in all things wliat his clear con- 
science and good judgment dictated to him to be right. 

I often had occasion to be grateful to him for a kind word 
of appreciati(jn in the discharge of the arduous duties whicli 
devolved u^jon us in our committee. Representing a dis- 
trict which contained but a small i)orti< )U of the Union soldier 
element, liiniself too young to participate in the stirring 
events of the late war, he was singularly free from the ani- 
mosities and i)rejudices engendered in that unhappy strife. 
Lib(/ral in his views as to the (jbligati<jns of the nati(jn to 
those who had periled their lives in its defense, clear and 
discriminating in his judgment, he was ever ready to do full 
justice to the soldier. 

Always frank and camlid, lie was utterly free fnjm even 
the appearance of demagogy. He hated shams and despised 
pretensions. He may have liad faults, for who has not-' 
There has never been but one perfect life on earth, and weak- 
ness and frailty are the common heritage of men. But I am 
happy to say that whatever his faults may have been I never 
discovered them. To me he was a pure, true, noble man, 
and a sincere and devoted friend. But the warm heart that 
won our friendship and esteem has ceased to beat. The ojjen 
hand whose hearty grasp gave expression to the warmth of 
his generous heai't is cold and pulseless. Tlie speaking eye, 
revealing the purity of the soul within, is dull and expres- 
sionless. 

" The silver cord is loosened: the golden bowl is broken, 
the dust has returned to the earth as it was, and the spirit 
unto God who gave it." He is at rest. The fierce conflicts 
H. Mis. 134 4 



50 Address of Mr. Morrill, of Kansas, etc. 

of life, the sorrows and disaiypoiiitiuents, the pains aiul tlic 
trials which fall tons all. will disturb him no longer. But 
he is not dead — 

There is uo death! Wli;it seems so is transition; 

Tliis life of niortal breatli 
Is but a suliurli of tlie life elysi.an, 

Whose iiortal we eall death. 

In that fairer land Ix'yoiid the river he still lives, and will 
live forever. 

Mr Frank. Mr. Speaker 



Mr. Wilson of Missouri. Mr. Si)eaker, I move 1 he adop- 
tion of the resolutions. 

Mr. Frank. Pending that, I wish to say that it has come 
to my notice that a number of members who would like to pay 
tribute to the memory of the late Representative Walk ki; 
are unavoidably ab.sent, and I ask unanimous consent that 
any gentlemen who desire to print remarks upon this suIj- 
ject may have that privilege. 

The Speaker i^m tempore (Mr. Dockery). Is there objec- 
tion to the request of the gentleman from Missouri |Mi'. 
Frank]? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none, and it is 
so ordered. 

The resolutions were then agreed to. 

Accordingly (at 4 o'clock p. m.) the House adjoiinuMl. 



PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE. 



ANNOUNCEMENT OF DEATH. 



July 31, ISiJO. 

Mr. CocKRELL. I iiyk that tlierewdlutiDiis from the House 
of Representatives cominuuicatiug intelligence of the death 
of my colleague in the House bo laid before the Senate. 

The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the follow- 
ing resolutions from the House of Representatives; which 
were read: 

In the House op Representatives, .hihj 21, 1890. 

Resohvil, Tliat the House lias heard with profouml regret the announce- 
ment of the rleath of Hon. James P. Walker. late a Representative frt)iu 
the State of Missouri. 

Resolved by the House of Repvesentitti res {the Senate eoncio-ring), That 
a select committee, consisting of .seven members of tlie Hou.se and tliree 
members of the Senate, lie appointed to take order for superintending tlie 
funeral, and that the necessary expenses attending the execution of this 
order lie paid out of the contingent fund of the House. 

Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House lie authorized and 
directed to take such steps as may be necessary for pr(.)perly carrying into 
effect tlie provisions of this resolution. 

Resolved. That the Clerk communicate the foregoing resolutions to the 
Senate; and that, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased, the House do now adjourn. 

Mr. CocKRELL. I ask for the present consideration of the 
resolutions which I send to the desk. 

51 



52 Proceedings in lite Senate. 

Tln! Presiding Officier. The resolutions will bu read. 
The resolutions were read, as follows: 

Resolved, Tliat the Sciiato has licard with (lo(>p regret and pnifoinul sor- 
row the announcement of the death of 1 [on. James P. Walkeu, late a 
member of the House of Representatives from the State of Missouri. 

Resolved, That the Senate concur in the resolution of the House of 
Representatives providing for the aiipointinent of a committee to atteiiil 
the funeral of tlie deceased, and that the comnuttee on the part of the 
Senate, to consist of three Senatoi>i, l)c .a]ipointed l)y tlie Presiding Oliicer. 

RcsDlved, That llie Secretarj' communicate the foregoing resolutions to 
tlie House of Representatives. 

The resolutions wore considered by unanimous consent, 
and agreed to. 

The Presiding Officer. The Chair announces as the 
committee on the part of the Senate the Senator from Mis- 
souri |Mr. Vest], the Swiator from Kansas [Mr. Phimli|, 
and tlie Senator from Arkansas [Mr. Berry]. 

Mr. CocKRELL. I offer the following resolution, and ask 
for its present consideration: 

licsolred. That as an additional mark of respect to the memory of tlie 
deceased the Senate do now adjourn. 

The resolution was agi'ced to unanimously; and (at .'i 
o'clock and 53 minutes p. m.) tlie Senate adjourned until to- 
morrow, Tuesday, July 22, at i'i o'clock m. 



EULOGIES. 



February 10, 1891. 

Mr. CciCKRELL. Mr. President. I ask that tlie resolutions of 
tlie Honse of Representatives relating to the death of my kite 
colleague from Missijuri in that body lie read. 

The Presiding Officer. The resolutions of the House of 
Representatives will be read. 

The Secretary read the resnlulions, as follows: 

Resolvcil, Tliat the House has heard with sincere regi'et (if tin- deatli 
of Hon. J.\MES P. Walker, late a Representative from the /State of Mis- 
souri. 

Resolved, Tliat tlie husiness of the House be now susiiended. in onler 
that the faithful pulilic services, as well as tlie personal virtues and wcirth. 
of the deceased may be fittingly commemorated. 

Res(}h-^(l, That as an additional tribute of respect to thememor}* of the 
deceased the House shall, at the conclusion of these memorial proceed- 
ings, stand adjourned. 

Rettolccd, That the Clerk connnunicate these resolutions to the .Senate. 

Mr. CocKRELL. Mr. President, 1 offer the resolutions which 
I send to the desk. 

The Presiding Officer. The resolutions (jffered by the 
Senator from Missoui-i will be read. 

The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows: 

Resolved, That the Senate lias heard with profound sorrow of the death 
of Hon. James P. Walker, late a Representative from tlie State of Mis- 
souri. 

Resohvd, Tliat the business of the Senate be now suspended, hi order 
that fitting tribute be paid to his memory. 

Resolved. That as an additional mark of respect the Senate, at the con- 
clusion of tliese ceremonies, do adjourn. 

53 



54 Address of Mr. Cockrcll, of Missouri, on the 



Address of Mr, Cockrell, of Missouri. 

Mr. President: During my service in tlic Si'iiatc four 
members of Congress from the State of Missouri liavi- been 
summoned by tlie messenger of death from their labors licre 
to the hibors of the life immortaL 

Senator Louis V. Bogy died in bs77 wliilst a member of 
this body; Hon. Alfred Lay, of Jefferson City, Mo., died 
whilst a Representative in the Forty-sixth Congress; and 
Hon. James N. Burnes, of St. Joseph, Mo., was stricken on 
the floor of the House of Representatives with paralysis and 
died during the Fiftieth Congress; Hon. James P. Walker, 
of Dexter, Mo., at 3 o'clock on Saturday evening, July 1!). 
bS90. during the present Congress, died at his home in Mis- 
souri. To-day we tiirn from the rusliing, pressing ]al)orsof 
this short session to pay our last sadtributeof respect, honor, 
and love to his memory. 

Mr. Walker was born in Lauderdale County, in the State 
of Tennessee, on March 14, 1851. His early opportunities 
for education were limited. He received excellent home in- 
struction, and for thirteen months attended the "Boys' 
College" at Durhamville, Tenn., near his home; and al- 
though compelled to abandon school and the regular pursuit 
of his studies after his fourteenth year, he ever retained a 
great fondness for learning and for the acquisition of jjracti- 
cal useful information and literary attainments, and availed 
him.self of every opportunity for improvement during his 
life. At the age of fourteen he secured employment in a 
country store in Tennessee, and by close application and 
rigid economy assisted in supporting his widowed nml her 
and younger sisters. 



Life ai/if Cliaractcr of James P. Walker. 55 

In 1867 lie removed withliis mother and sisters to Ken- 
nett, in Dunklin County, Mo. , and soon thereafter became 
associated with his brother-in-law, Mr. W. S. Suggs, in the 
dry goods business, and continued therein f<n- nearly four 
years. In 1871 he located at Point Pleasant, in New Madrid 
County, and became the pai't owner of a large wharf boat. 
By a floe of ice in the MississijJin River the boat was sunk, 
and he was left withoiitany financial means or enipliiynient. 

With his mother and young sisters almost wholly depend- 
ent upon him for support he had ample grounds for de- 
spondency, and yet he never thought of it; and in this severe 
loss to him he exhibited that steadfast hopefulness and self- 
reliance — characteristics which ena.l)led him always to look 
to the bright side of life and to see the silver lining beneath 
every dark cloud, and to battle with and surmount every 
disappointment and reverse in life. 

Seeking opportunities to i-epair his losses, he found emiiloy- 
ment as a cai'penter and builder, and for some mouths 
worked with energy, method, and skill, when he was offered 
a position in the mercantile firm of Siesel Bros., which he 
accepted, and remained in the business for alj(jut two years. 
He was then sent, althoiigh only twenty-four years old, to 
Dexter, in Stoddard County, to help establish a branch 
house, which was sriccessfuUy done. ( )n May 13, 1875, he 
married Miss Eva M. Bragg, daughter of Capt. W. G. 
Bragg, of Kennett, Mo., a most estimable lady and devi)ted 
wife, who survives him. 

In the fall of 1870 he and Mr. W. F. Shelton entered upon 
the dry-goods business at Dexter, and ci>ntinue(l therein for 
six years, when they changed their business to that of l)uy- 
ing and selling grain. He continued in this in connection 
with farming. 

He always took an active interest in political affairs; was 



t)() Address of Mr. Cockrcll^ <>/ Missouri, on the 

;i moinbor of tli(3 State Deniocvatic coininittee from liis dis- 
trict and a delegate to tlie Cincinnati national Democratic 
convention of ISSO. In 1884 he was a candidate f'oi' the 
Democratic nomination for Representative in Congress, and 
was defeated by Hon. William Dawson after a ])rolonged 
contest. 

In 1S8(> he wasagainacamlidate, and received the i mi iii na- 
tion and was elected to tlie Fiftii'th Ci ingress. In 18X8 he 
was renominated witlicmt ojiposition and elected to the Fifty- 
first Congress. 

At the time of the attack of his fatal illness lie was in tlie 
midst of an exciting contest for renoniination, and within 
the preceding six weeks had made threes trips from Wash- 
ington to his home and two trips to Washington in the ex- 
cessively hot weather of that season, never stopping for 
rest. The labor, fatigue, and strain, mental and physical, 
were overexhansting, and doubtless ])7-ecij)itated the fatal 
illness. On Monday morning, Jnly 14, 181)0. he exjjressed 
himself as being much fatigued, but cheerfiilly left his 
home for tlie canvass. 

He was attacked witli a chill thai evening, Init continued 
liis journey that night, and liecoraing worse, returned fi-om 
N(!W Mtulrid County to Maiden, and remained there till 
Thursday, hoping to recover. Not improving, he returiu'd 
to Dexter, his ]ioni(\ on Thursday morning and went to bed. 
Physicians were summoned, and everything that medical 
skill and a devoted wife and loving fi-iends could do was 
done without avail. He could not realize that his illness 
was fatal, and as long as conscious was hoin'ful of recovery, 
but his hopefulness and strong will cnuld not overcome the 
messenger of death, and he passed jieacefully and (jui(»tly 
from his earthly lil'e t(j tlie life immortal. 

1 liad known Mr. Walkek personally and iiitiiuately Ibr 



Life and CJmracter of James p. Walker. 57 

many years. He liad been my constant jiersonal and polit- 
ical friend, whom I loved and honored, and in whose noble 
life and success I felt a lively pei'sonal interest. The more 
I saw and knew of him the more warmly I loved and hmi- 
oi'ed hiTn for his many noble traits. I will not indulge in 
what might be construed to be fulsome adulation. I will 
speak of him as he actually was. He was in its truest and 
fullest sense a "T)orn gentleman." 

He was conscientiously and thoroughly honest, honoral)le, 
and candid in all his dealings and transactions with his 
fellow-iiien, personally, financially, and politically. 

As a son, he was tender, dutiful, and loving to his aged 
and now stricken mother, laboring and toiling, in adversity 
as well as prosperity, to sujijiort, comfort, and cheer her 
and his sisters. As a husband, he was most exemplary — 
faithful, loving, and tenderly devoted to his noble and 
woi'thy companion in life. 

In business life he was earnest, energetic, industrious, re- 
liable, punctual, and always cheerful, liopeful, and ideasant. 
He met adversity with fortituih^ and hopefulness, never 
yielding to gloom or despondency, and liy persistent and 
intelligent effort and cheerful self-reliance overcame every 
obstacle, and gained and held the unshaken confidence and 
trust of all who knew him and had business transactions 
with him. 

He was elected a Representative in Congress without 
having had any experience in legislative bodies. In tlie 
discharge of the responsible duties of a Representative in 
Congress he manifested the same noble traits of character 
which had won for him th(> resj^ect and (-onfidence of the 
people of his district. He was punctual, laborious, and 
intelligent in discharging his duties on committees and (Ui 
the floor of the House, and justly won the respect and con- 



58 AM)Tss of Mr. CockrcU, of Afissoiiri, on the 

fidonce of his associates. He was honest and incorruptible 
as a legislator, and no breath of susi)icion ever tainted any 
act or word done or spoken by him in committee or in tlie 
House. He was faithful and devoted to the interests of all 
his constituents, of his State, and of the whole country. 

Above and beyond all the many noble characteristics 
of Mr. Walker, he was a humble, earnest, and faithful 
Christian. When a Ixty he united with the Methodist E]]>is- 
co))al Church South in Tennessee, and after locating per- 
manently in Dexter, Mo., united in 1^77 with the congrega- 
tion of that church at that place. 

He loved his church and gave liberally of his means for 
its support and its institutions quietly and unostentatiously. 

He was emphatically and truly the architect of his own 
foi-tune, a self-made man. He was not ashamed or afraid 
to labor and toil manually as well as mentally, and intelli- 
gently appreciated the true dignity of labor, and that all 
honest labor is honorable and praiseworthy. 

His life-work and achievements are bright and encourag- 
ing illustrations to the struggling young men of our great 
country of the possible attainments before them. 

He has left to posterity a pattern to imitate and not an 
example to deter. 

Mr. President, I ask permission to have printed with this 
last tribute to my dead friend some resolutions adopted by 
the citizens of his home town and an address delivered 
before the Congres.sional conventi(m for whose nomination 
he was contesting by Hon. J. J. Russell, of Mississippi 
County, Mo. 

citizens' MEETINO. 

At a meeting of the citizens of De.xter. lield at the Stoddard County 
Banii at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon, a cominittee appointed for tliat 
liiir|insc ))resented tlie following in nienioriain of Hon. James P. 
Waucek, wliich was unanimously adopted: 



Life and CJiavactcr of James P. Walker. 59 

" IN MEMORIAM. 

"Again amid tlie turmoils, the battles, and the contentions of life that 
sublime ni.ysteiy — the mystery of the ages — grim Deatli, passes over tlie 
land, his chilly breath is wafted upon the breeze, and our chief citizen 
receives the blighting touch, and passes over into the unseen. And now, 
filled with awe at the awful majesty of Death, we, the neighbors, friends, 
■and fellow-citizens of James P, Walker, meet around his untimely 
grave, and with genuine and unfeigned sorrow pluck a few flowers from 
his useful life to lay them at his tomb. 

The life of James P, Walker is a fit commentary on our Government 
and its possibilities in developing men: and in tlie purity of his charac- 
ter, in the determination of purpose, in his fidelity to every duty, every 
trust, every friend, his example is commended to the youth of our land. 

Without the allurements of wealth or the training of the college, with- 
out fi-iends in high places to lift him up, he rose by the strength of his 
own maidiood, the energy of his own purpose, and the moral rectitude 
of his own life to the highest political honors. Twice called to represent 
his people in the Halls of Congress, he was still one of the people, loved 
and honored by them, ever faithful to the trust reposed in him. And it 
affords us double pleasure to say that in an age of venal a7id corrupt pol- 
itics he ever kej^t his heart pure and his hands clean, and the breath of 
suspicion never touched his fair name. 

But with all the political honors which he wore so worthily he shone 
out still more nobly as a plain honest citizen, a pure devoted husband, a 
loving .sou, a faithful brother, and a sincere and earnest Christian. 

On behalf of tlie peo|;ile of Stoddard County we extend to the sti'icken 
wife, his venerable mother, his loving friends, our warm-hearted sym- 
pathy. In all things he was a man. May the recollection of his many 
virtues fall as a benediction upon grieving friends and sorrowing coun- 
trymen. And may his example stimulate to higher efforts and nobler 
achievements the youth of our land. 

As a further mark of our esteem we request that this memorial lie jndi- 
lished liy the new-papers of this Congressional disti'ict, and that a co|iy of 
the sanae be presented to his wife and to his mother. 

Thus done at Dexter, Mo., July 21, 1890. 

D. B. Garrison, 
C. L. Keaton, 

J. L. FdRT, 

J. F. Raney, 
J. L. Slayden, 

Vwwndttee. 



60 Address of Mr. Cockrcll^ of Missouri, on the 

HON. J. .1. RUSSELL'S ADDIiKSS ON THIC J)KATII l)F HON. JAMES P. WALKER, 
DKLIVEKEI) AT THE I'OPLAK BLUFF ('ON(lI{ESSK>NAL COSVEXTIOX. 

Mr. Cluiirman. it is eiiiiin'iitly .a|>])ri>|iri:itc tliiit tliiscoiivpiitidii slioiiUl 
pause, iH'fore prooecdinK to its i-ff,ailar l)usiiiess, to pay a hist triljutc of 
resjx'ct to the nieiuoiy of one wliose name it was expected wouhl oei-iipy 
a i)roniinent i)Lare in its proceedings. 

The deatli-blow has been su<Ulenly dealt to one whom we all loved and 
honored. Again the impressive warniiiK has come to us that ''in the 
midst of life we are in death." 

Tliere are many delegates on this floor wlio, were our lainenti'il fiiiiid 
yet among the livingaud contesting for furtlier political distinction, would 
to-day honor him and honor themselves by giving to him their loyal sup- 
port. There are nineteen d(>legates occuiiying seats in this hall, represent- 
ing the county that he loved so much, instructed byaunanimous vote for 
him who has since that time been stricken down by the relentless hand of 
fate. The object of their commission is no more. He is not here to accept 
the support of these true and devoted friends. But they have recpicsted 
me in their behalf, and in the name of all the people of Stoddard ( 'ounty 
(for they were all his friends), to express their sorrow. They come from 
the comity and village of his home wliere he now slee]>s beneath tlie 
newly made mound. They realize that instead of returning home with 
glad tidings of his nomination by this convention, as they had antici- 
l)ated, tliey will return with .sad and heavy hearts, to mourn with his 
frit^nds at home that are now under a cloud of gloom by reason of their 
loss and of the fresh recollec'tions of the dark habiliments of the grave. 

How mysterious are tjie councUs of Death. We regard it as the natural 
end of a fully completed life. It is natural for the aged to jiass away, 
like the fullblown leaf, that has liveil through spring and sinnmer and 
filled the perioil of its natural existence and falls with the autumn bla.st: 
so the old naturally iiass away to the realms of the dead. Rut for the 
young, the ambitious, and promishig— how sad, how strange, how un- 
natural. 

A fortnight ago he was in health, engaged in an exciting but honor- 
able contest with his distingui.shed political rivals that he hoped would 
culminate in his triumphant nomination in this convention. I5ut insteail 
\\v now sleeps the peaceful sleep of the just that knows no waking, and 
to his friends the memory of his wordly amiiitions is now as the memory 
of a dream. 

He was in.spired by an honorable amhition. snpiiorted by friends who 
«ere legion and true as the magnetic needle, and led on by thi^ brightest . 
anticipations of success. And. Ih» it said to his eternal praise among men, 
that in his anxious contest he held his official duty to his ijeojik sacred 
above all else. When his associates in Congress, who loved him, desired 
his presence to vote ui)oii what is called the election bill, but r<>ally a bill 
to stani]) out the most vital principle of .Vnn'iicaii independence and to 



IJfcaiidC/iaracfrro/JaiucsP. U'a/kcr. 61 

destroy tlie sanctity of the ballot — the most claiiKerous law menacing the 
peace of the country and the time-honored constitutional rights of the 
people of the States ever attempted in the history of the Republic — Mr. 
Walker left his pressing canvass that he might record liis vote against 
th(^ jiassage of that bill. when, had he consulted his political sagacity, he 
woidd have turned his back upon duty to add to his prospects for further 
political success. 

Not only did this long trip in the midst of his canvass endanger his polit- 
ical future, but his physicians and friends believed the exj)Osur(> incident 
to his long triiJ in the most exhausting heat of midsummer, added to his 
already physical fatigue and mental excitement, had niiich to <lo with 
Ids death. 

The life and career of Jlr. W.\lker have been most remarkable instan- 
ces of the high rewards that may be acliieved by personal endeavor. 

He was purely a self-made man. In his early boyhood life he came 
from Tennessee to this State with a widowed mother, whom he for years 
struggled with the affairs of the world in hard, honest toil to support. He 
had nothing but his honest heart and brave haniis upon which to depend 
for his future destiny. He came to m;ike for himself a home and friends, 
a, bright name, and an honored grave among our people. He loved Mis- 
souri and looked hopefully to her future. He .saw her unsurpassed soil 
and climate. He .saw her unequaled natural re.soui-ces and advantages. 
He saw her broad rivers, capable of bearing upon their bosoms the com- 
merce of the world. He saw her bright future, and came to cast his lot 
with ours in achieving her greatness. 

He made many friends and prospersd well. He showed a fondness for 
politics, and always boldly took his stand on all imblicand political ques- 
tions. He was a delegate to the national Democratic convention held at 
Cincinnati in 1880 that nominated General Hancock. He also served at 
one time upon the State Democratic committee. In the mem<;)rable con- 
test in this district in 1884 he wa.s in both conventions the leading cai'idi- 
date, 1 )ut was defeated. In the two following elections he was successful, 
and in the last he was nominated liy acclamation. In Congress he has 
ever been faithful and true, and to show his great popularity with the 
people I need only say that two years ago he received two hundred and 
thirty-nme more votes in this district, against an able and honoral)le Re- 
imblican opponent, than that tyiiical, honest, and courageous Democratic 
leader (irover Cleveland. 

Mr. W.VLKER was not great in classical learning, but that which is more 
imiK)rtant in this age, a practical business education, with tine natural 
sense and a Cool, discriminating judgment. He was not a gifted oratoi-, 
but he was a plain, fluent, and forcible speaker. 

He was a model husband, a kind and dutiful son. Nothing that we 
can .say here of our friend can appease the anguish of his aged mother 
over the loss of her darling boy, nor lessen the grief of that poor, sad, and 



fi2 . Iddrrss of Mr. Berry, of Arkansas, o/i the 

1 iloiHliiiK heart that has lost in his death the object and idol of its 
devotion. 

He was a consistent Christian inati, whoso eharacter as a private citizen 
and as a pnblie officer was spotless. No snspic'ion of dishonesty nor 
rumor of dislionor, no taint of corruption, either in his private or i)ublic 
life, ever rested upon his fair name. 

His life was gentle, and the elements 

So mixed in him that Nature mif^ht stand up 

And say to all the world, " Tliis was a man !" 



Address of Mr. Berry, of Arkansas. 

Mr. President: Mr. Walker represented a distinct iu 
tlie State of Missouri whicli extends along the Lorder of the 
State in which I resi(hi. For this reason and bocanso some 
of liis constituents were knoAvn to me I sought and made liis 
ac(juaintance soon after he came here as a member of the 
Fiftietli Congress. 

Tlic aciiuaiutance that was thus begun soon ripened into 
fririiilsliip, wliicli continued until the time of his death. I 
felt for liiin ;ind for his success in the career u]kiii wliicli ho 
was entering more than an ordinary iidi'rest, becau.se I liad 
Iciiincd tliat in early life he had been thrown upon his own 
i-esoiirccs. that grave responsibilities devolved upon him in 
Ills youth, and tliat in every situatioti and under all condi- 
tions lie liad liorne hinisclf as only a true man can; th;d iu 
tlie ambitions of his life and in (lie contests in which lie 
engaged for i)lacc and position he never either forgol tin! 
feelings or trampled upon tlie rights of otliers. 

Hi! fought the battle of life alone; he sought aid from no 
ninn; he had t he disjjosilion to lal'or. t hi; energy to persevere, 
the will to do and dare, ;iudthe determination tositcceed, but 
only liy lair and honorable methods. Witlunit means, with 
a limited education, with a mother anil sisters dependent 



Life and Character of Ja Dies P. H'a/ker. 63 

upon him, lie rose from an obscure position to a i)laco in tlie 
Congress of the United States. 

Twice selected to that position, loved an<l honored 1)y his 
people, in the midst of a contest for a tliird term the dread 
summons came, and he passed from life to the dark chamher 
of death. There is something peculiarly touching and sad 
in contemplating the death of one who is stricken down in 
the very meridian of his manhood, cut off at the time wlu^n 
the hopes are highest and the prospects brightest; and yet 
who can tell when it is best to go; who can say that death 
comes before the life is complete? It matters less when we 
die than the manner in which we live. We cling to life 
with great tenacity. "All that a man hath will Ik^ give for 
liis life;" yet I imagine that there are times in the life of 
almost every man when he becomes weary of the contest, 
when he feels that it woi;ld be a relief to sink to rest; that 
he feels that he coidd better bear the "ills that he knows 
not of " rather than face the difficulties, the disapiiointmonts, 
and the deferred and never-to-be-realized hopes tliat sur- 
round and confront him. But death neither comes nor stays 
his hand at our bidding, but it comes to all at last. 

When we stop t(j ctmtemjjlate death, the ambitions and the 
animosities that surround us, the contests for power and 
wealth, and the hopes and fears that go to make up our 
da.ily life appear infinitely small, trivial, ajid commonplace; 
a.iid T imagine that when the time shall come for each of us, 
when all liojie is gone, and we know the end is near, in 
looking l)ack over the life we liave lived it will not ^^n'. the 
wealth tliat we have accumulated, the victories over our 
foes (jr fellow-men, or the honors that we have gathered that 
will give us most pleasure or satisfaction, but the kind word 
or kind deed spoken or jierformed when kindness was most 
needed and least expected. 



<)4 Address of Mr. Berry, of Arkansas, on Ihe 

11' we liave made tlin patliway of some wayworn, weary, 
and less fortunate brother less steep and less didicult; if 
there has been a time in our lives when we have sacrificed 
our dearest hopes and dearest wishes rather than inHict 
wronif or unhappines upon others, these are the things that 
will illuminate the dark river, and make the farther shore 
appear less to be dreaded, less to be feared. 

Ill till' life of him whose memory we honor to-day there is 
much to be admired, much to be commended, but it is not 
the record of his public life, not the record of the man in 
the Congi-ess of the United States, thoroughly honorable and 
l)raiseworthy as that record' was. that should receive the 
greatest praise, but that part of his life which should com- 
mand the highest admiration is the record of the boy, strug- 
gling without complaint to supjwrt and defend the widowed 
mother and the helpless sister; the record of the man in his 
lirivato life, honorable and u]iright, and so full oi tender- 
ness, of kindness, and generosity to all, that he commanded 
the confidence and the respect of all. 

There were many men in Congress more distinguished 
tlian he, many whose names were known througlmut (he 
land, wliile it may be Ins was known to bi;t few beyond the 
limits of the State in which he lived, and yet none were 
more true to their convictions (if right, none more earnest 
in llic discharge of public duty, none more faithl'ul to those 
who trusted them. 

He sleejts to-day beneath the soil of the great Slate that he 
had made liis home, within the limits of the district that ho 
had served .so well, surrounded by those who knew him best 
and love<l him most. Let us hojic that his life will be long 
i-emembercd, and that his good deeds will serve to incite 
others to the highest aims and most lofty purposes. 



Life and Character of James P. Walker. 65 



Address of Mr. Carlisle, of Kentucky. 

Mr. President: I became quite well acquainted •with Mr. 
Walker while he was a member of the House of Represent- 
atives and had many opportunities to form a correct esti- 
mate of his character and capacity. I can indorse without 
qualification all that has been said by the Senator from Mis- 
souri [Mr. Cocki'ell] and the Senator from Arkansas [Mr. 
Berry] concerning the fidelity and integrity of this gentle- 
man in the discharge of his piiblic duties. 

His most prominent service in the House was rendered as 
a member of the Committee on Invalid Pensions. He was 
always laborious, conscientious, and faithful in the discharge 
of his duties as a member of that committee, and was inva- 
riably just and liberal in the treatment of all api^lications 
that came before him. 

His repoi'ts were always clear and succinct, and showed 
that he had mastered every detail of the subject under con- 
sideration. He was not a man of many words, but what he 
said was well considered and pertinent to the matter in 
hand. 

Mr. Walker was in every sense of the word a self-made 
inan. He laid the foundation of his political fortune with 
his own hands. He had no influential friends oi' powerful 
family connections to introduce him to the public favor or 
secui'e for him a support he did not deserve, but like thou- 
sands of other American boys who have won distinction in 
the professions and in the public service, he relied alone for 
success upon his own efforts. 

I speak very briefly, Mr. President, because others here 
aiid in the House of which he was a member have already 
H. Mis. 134 5 



6C Address of Mr. T^fsf, of Missouri^ on the 

reviewed the life and cliaracter of Mr. Walker more fully 
than I cmild hope to do. 

He died, as has been said, comparatively a young man, 
being less than forty years old. I think his career in the 
Hoiise, brief as it was, justifies me in saying that if he had 
lived and had continued in the public servicehe would ha\e 
become a prominent and valuable member of the legislative 
department of the Government, 



Address of Mr, Vest, of Missouri. 

Mr. President: In the presence of a fact so terrible as 
death misrepresentation and exaggeration sliouhl ]ia\e no 
place. Death is a ti-agedy even to those for whom it lias no 
terror. It works the most momentous change within the 
scope of imagination, for it ends a human life, with all its 
joys, sorrows, hopes, fears, appetites, and passions. 

I shall speak of my dead friend as I knew him. He was 
brave, honest, and devoted to duty. He was not brilliant 
nor imaginative, but of sound judgment and earnest con- 
victions, devoted to the truth as he saw it, and the unfalter- 
ing opponent of wrong. 

In his public life he followed great principles, and was 
not '.' an importunate mendicant for popidar ap{)laus(\" 

By reason of our personal friendship he often consulted 
with me as to matters affecting his district, and I remember 
that in our last interview, when he came back from his can- 
vass to record his vote against the election bill, he told me 
that one of his opponents, a man of ability and influence, 
had announced himself for the subtreasury scheme, and he 
said, "I have taken my position again.st it, but I think my 
action will defeat me for reelection." Then, without ostenta- 






Life and Character of James P. JJ^alkcr. 67 

tion, hut calmly and modestly, he added, " There is some- 
thing, however, hetter than office, and that is self-resiject. 
With n\Y convictions I can not support the subtreasury bill, 
and no f)ne shall think so." He returned home to meet the 
battle raging against him. and fell like a soldier on the 
stricken field, his banner full high advanced and his face to 
the foe. 

He died in the flush of manhood, before age and disease 
had touched his nerves or chilled the warm current in his 
veins. His feet had barely toiiched that dividing line in 
life's journey when the passions begin to cool and judgment 
asserts its highest functions. 

I once heard from eloquent lips, now hushed in death, 
that the adventurer in Central America, after climbing 
over range after range of volcanic hills, at last stands upon 
the dividing siimmit from which he can behold both oceans 
at once. Turning from the Caribbean Sea, its rippling 
waves and islands of tropical beauty, before him lies the 
dark, heaving Pacific, stretching away under the cloud of 
immensity to that fabled region where the dreams of the 
ancients had located the " Isles of the Blessed." 

May we not hope that the beatified spirit of him we 
mourn now beholds, not a fabled Elysium, but that heaven 
of his Christian faith, where "the flowers ever blossom, 
the beams ever .shine?" 

Mr. Cockrell. Mr. President, I move the adoption of 
the i-esolutions. 

The PRE.SIDING Officer. The que.'^tion is on agreeing to 
the resolutions. 

The resolutions were agreed to; and at 5 o'clock and 
two minutes p. m. the Senate adjourned until to-morrow, 
Wednesday, February 11, 1891, at 11 o'clock a. m. 



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